“Celtic deserved to win the game,” Hibs boss David Gray | OneFootball

Celtic moved closer to securing the Treble with a dominant 2-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Hibernian, avenging their unexpected defeat in Leith just over two weeks ago…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The in-form Daizen Maeda netted his 27th goal of the season with a simple finish on the 39th minute mark, while substitute Adam Idah sealed the win with a late stoppage-time finish.

Hibernian arrived in high-spirits, unbeaten in their last 15 matches, and aimed to end a 123-year wait for a Scottish Cup victory at Celtic Park – having last triumphed over the Hoops in the 1902 final in Glasgow’s east end.

Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates scoring the second goal with teammate Arne Engels and Cameron Carter-Vickers during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025.. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, the visitors struggled to match Brendan Rodgers’ Treble-chasing side for majority of the contest. The current Scottish Cup holders enter the hat for this evening’s Scottish Cup semi-final draw which will take place after Livingston against St Johnstone.

David Gray, Head Coach of Hibernian, gestures after the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking on the game, Hibs boss David Gray told Premier Sports that Celtic deserved to win the cup tie. He said: “I think it’s obviously not a feeling we’ve been used to for a very long time, and that’s credit to the players. It’s never a nice feeling. We’ll never accept losing games of football. But I think, on the whole, Celtic deserved to win the game.”

“When you think back to how the game went, I thought any opportunity we really did have to hurt Celtic our quality let us down at times. So, it’s never for the lack of effort.” You know, I think even the way we defended at times and started the game, Celtic came out flying as we thought they would.”

“I thought we stood up to that quite well. We lose a goal just before half-time, which is always disappointing. But then we stayed in the game right to the very end without really hurting Celtic.”

Gray added: “That was the one thing I would say on reflection. We had a bit of a go towards the end, but it just broke down too many times. So, I’ve got no complaints on us getting knocked out on the performance and effort was always there.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers prior to the Celtic v Hibernian – Scottish Gas Scottish Cup match on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Rodgers extended his remarkable Scottish Cup record with the Irishman securing his 20th consecutive victory in this competition over his two spells as manager. Let’s hope he reaches 21 and 22 by the end of this campaign.

Conor Spence

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