Celtic needed extra time and a stoppage-time goal from Julian Araujo to overcome a stubborn Dundee side in a Scottish Cup Round of 16 clash at Celtic Park on . The match, ultimately finishing 2-1, highlighted both the resilience of Martin O’Neill’s team and their ongoing struggles for consistent dominance this season.
Ethan Hamilton put Dundee ahead in the 49th minute, silencing the home crowd and setting the stage for a frustrating evening for the Hoops. Celtic, however, responded with goals from Chukwubuike Adamu in the 97th minute and Sebastian Tounekti in the 92nd minute to secure their passage to the next round. Araujo’s late intervention, in particular, continued a recent trend of dramatic late winners for Celtic, following similar scenarios against Livingston and in a Scottish Cup tie against Dundee.
The victory wasn’t without its blemishes. The need for extra time against a team from lower in the Scottish football pyramid underscores a pattern of Celtic making life difficult for themselves, as noted by observers. The performance raised questions about the team’s ability to break down organized defenses and consistently convert chances.
Araujo, on loan from Bournemouth, is quickly becoming a key figure for Celtic. His performance on the right flank against Dundee was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the promise that led to his signing under former manager Wilfried Nancy. The question now facing Celtic is whether they will pursue a permanent deal for the 24-year-old, especially if he continues to deliver crucial contributions. The return of Alistair Johnston from injury will present O’Neill with a difficult decision regarding the right-back position.
The match also provided a contrasting debut experience for Celtic’s deadline-day signings, Joel Mvuka and Junior Adamu. Mvuka was substituted at half-time after a largely ineffective 45 minutes, struggling to make an impact on the game. His performance was described as underwhelming, failing to spark any creativity or momentum for Celtic. In stark contrast, Adamu seized his opportunity, scoring the crucial equalizing goal that sent the Celtic Park crowd into raptures.
The contrasting fortunes of the two new signings highlight the challenges of integrating new players mid-season. While Mvuka’s debut was a disappointment, Adamu’s goal provides a much-needed boost and offers a glimpse of his potential contribution to the team.
Celtic’s recent form has been characterized by late goals and narrow victories. This latest win against Dundee, secured in the 97th minute by Araujo, is the third consecutive game where they have found a winner in the dying seconds. While these late goals are undoubtedly welcome, they also point to a need for greater consistency and control throughout the match. The team’s ability to consistently find a way to win, even when not at their best, is a testament to their character and determination, but it’s a reliance that O’Neill will likely want to address.
Kilmarnock, who recently secured a 2-0 lead against Celtic, proved to be a difficult opponent. Tyreece John-Jules was a standout performer for Kilmarnock, scoring twice and causing problems for the Celtic defense. The match underscored the increasing competitiveness of the Scottish Premiership and the challenges Celtic face in maintaining their dominance.
Araujo’s celebrations after his winning goal were described as “wild,” reflecting the emotional intensity of the moment and the significance of the victory. The player himself acknowledged the moment as one of the “craziest” of his career, highlighting the unique atmosphere and passion surrounding Celtic Football Club.
The win keeps Celtic in the hunt for silverware this season, but O’Neill will be aware that improvements are needed if they are to consistently challenge for trophies. The Scottish Cup remains a realistic target, but the team will need to find a greater level of consistency and efficiency in their performances. The ability to close out games comfortably, rather than relying on late goals, will be crucial to their success.
As Celtic progress in the Scottish Cup, they will face increasingly difficult opponents. The victory over Dundee, while hard-fought, serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and find a way to win, as demonstrated by Araujo’s late goal, will be vital in their pursuit of cup glory.
