The Scottish League Cup produced a flurry of results on Tuesday, with several clubs securing their places in the quarter‑final stage in convincing fashion. Celtic demonstrated why they remain one of the country’s premier sides, dispatching Dundee United 4‑0 at Tannadice Park and booking a spot in the draw that will take place on Sunday.
In the same round, Aberdeen overcame Dundee with a 3‑0 triumph at Pittodrie, while Kilmarnock edged a dramatic 3‑2 victory over local rivals Ayr United to keep their campaign alive. Perhaps the biggest surprise came from League One outfit Ross County, who stunned higher‑division opponents Dunfermline Athletic with a 2‑1 win, ensuring the Highland club’s progression to the last eight. Celtic’s win was highlighted by the debut goal of Colombian forward Camilo Duran, who found the back of the net for the first time in his Celtic colours. The opening move came after a well‑taken corner from Benjamin Nygren was headed across the box by Auston Trusty, allowing Duran to slot home the ball in the first half.
The momentum continued when Sebastian Tounekti added a low‑driven finish that curled into the far corner, and Nygren himself contributed a neat strike from the edge of the penalty area to seal a comfortable victory for the previous season’s runners‑up. New arrivals Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan also earned their first appearances for the Glasgow side, coming on as substitutes as the team prepared for a forthcoming Champions League qualifier against LASK at Celtic Park.
Across the north‑east, Aberdeen’s captain Kevin Nisbet produced a brace that proved decisive in a 3‑0 demolition of Dundee. Nisbet struck in the 51st and 63rd minutes, giving the Dons a two‑goal cushion early in the second half. In between his goals, midfielder Mitchy Ntelo celebrated his own debut goal, adding to the growing confidence within the Aberdeen squad. Dundee’s efforts were further hampered by the loss of their captain and striker Simon Murray, who suffered a knee injury midway through the first half and was forced to leave the field, leaving the visitors short‑handed for the remainder of the tie.
In the lower‑tier clash, Ross County produced a classic upset by overcoming Dunfermline Athletic 2‑1. The match remained tightly contested until the closing stages, when Richard Chin delivered a decisive strike in the 85th minute to clinch the win.
Earlier in the second half, Liam Lindsay had put County ahead, but Dunfermline’s veteran Neil Lennon, managing the Pars, pulled level with a goal from Allan Oyirworth ten minutes from full‑time. Chin’s late finish restored County’s lead and secured their place in Sunday’s quarter‑final draw, a result that will be remembered by supporters for its dramatic timing. Kilmarnock’s path to the last eight was perhaps the most thrilling of the evening. Facing Ayr United at Rugby Park, the Ayrshire side fell behind early when Owen Stirton volleyed home to give the hosts an initial lead.
However, Joe Hugill quickly responded, leveling the score and setting the stage for a seesaw battle. Ross Taylor then produced a superb finish that stunned the home crowd, putting Kilmarnock ahead. Yet the drama was far from over; Michael Schjonning‑Larsen showcased individual brilliance with an impressive solo effort that forced the game back to a 2‑2 stalemate with just ten minutes remaining. As the match appeared destined for extra time, Nicky Clescenco displayed composure under pressure, calmly dinking the ball into the net after Ayr’s goalkeeper Harry Stone mishandled a deep cross.
The late winner completed a remarkable comeback for Killie, who had endured back‑to‑back defeats in their previous fixtures. These results set the stage for an exciting quarter‑final round, with Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Ross County all eager to continue their cup runs.
Celtic will look to build on their dominant performance and maintain momentum heading into the Champions League qualifier, while Aberdeen aim to translate their solid display into further progress. Kilmarnock’s resilience will be tested against tougher opposition, and Ross County will hope their giant‑killing spirit can carry them deeper into the competition. Fans can follow the upcoming fixtures through the official Scottish Premier League channels, with live streams and highlight packages available on mobile devices. The tournament continues to deliver a blend of high‑quality football, surprise results and memorable moments, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of Scottish football across all divisions.