The Scottish League Cup progressed to its next stage with a series of decisive results that saw Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Ross County all secure places in the quarter‑finals. At Tannadice Park, Celtic demonstrated why they are perennial title contenders, dispatching Dundee United 4‑0 in a performance that combined clinical finishing with fresh faces making an instant impact. The victory not only guaranteed their spot in Sunday’s draw but also highlighted the depth of the squad as new signings earned valuable minutes ahead of a looming Champions League qualifier against LASK.
Camilo Duran, the Colombian forward who recently joined the Glasgow side, opened his Celtic account with a well‑timed finish. The goal came after a well‑executed corner from Benjamin Nygren was headed across the box by Auston Trusty, allowing Duran to meet the ball and slot it home in the first half. The strike set the tone for a dominant display.
Later, Sebastian Tounekti added a low‑driven effort that found the bottom corner, further extending the lead. Nygren himself capped the half‑century by curling a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the net, sealing a comfortable win for the league runners‑up. The match also marked the debut of two recent acquisitions, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, who were introduced into the side as the club prepares for its Champions League showdown at Celtic Park. Both players showed promise, with Baur displaying composure on the ball and Hassan offering a burst of energy down the flanks, suggesting they could become regular contributors as the season unfolds.
Over at Pittodrie, Aberdeen mirrored Celtic’s efficiency by overcoming Dundee 3‑0. Captain Kevin Nisbet was the standout, netting a brace that came in quick succession – first in the 51st minute and then again in the 63rd. Between his two goals, midfielder Mitchy Ntelo celebrated his inaugural senior goal, further cementing Aberdeen’s dominance after the interval.
Dundee’s hopes were dented early on when their captain and forward, Simon Murray, suffered a knee injury that forced him off the pitch during the first half of the second‑round tie, leaving the visitors short of firepower. In the lower‑division bracket, League One side Ross County produced a surprise upset, edging out Dunfermline 2‑1 to book a quarter‑final berth. The match was a seesaw battle: Liam Lindsay gave County the lead shortly after the break, only for Dunfermline to equalise through Allan Oyirworth with ten minutes remaining.
However, Richard Chin delivered a decisive strike in the 85th minute, restoring County’s advantage and sealing their progression. The victory was especially sweet for Ross County, who have been punching above their weight this season. Kilmarnock’s path to the last eight was perhaps the most dramatic of the night.
Facing their Ayrshire rivals Ayr United, the Killie side found themselves trailing early when Owen Stirton volleyed home for the visitors. Joe Hugill responded quickly, levelling the score, but Ross Taylor then gave Ayr United the lead with a composed finish that seemed to put the home side in control. With the game appearing to head for extra time, Michael Schjonning‑Larsen produced an impressive solo effort to draw level at 2‑2 with just ten minutes left on the clock.
The climax arrived when Nicky Clescenco, displaying calm under pressure, nudged a loose cross past Ayr United goalkeeper Harry Stone to secure a 3‑2 win. The victory snapped a run of back‑to‑back defeats for Kilmarnock and ensured their place in the upcoming quarter‑final draw. These results set the stage for an exciting quarter‑final lineup, featuring a mix of established powerhouses and hungry underdogs. Celtic, having demonstrated both attacking flair and squad depth, will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for European competition.
Aberdeen’s solid defensive display and clinical finishing suggest they will be a tough opponent for any side. Ross County’s upset over Dunfermline underscores the unpredictable nature of cup football, while Kilmarnock’s comeback win highlights their resilience and capacity to thrive under pressure. Fans can follow the action across multiple platforms, with live streams and highlight reels available on various services.
The Scottish Premiership’s digital offerings allow supporters to watch matches on their phones, ensuring that the excitement of the cup remains accessible to a broad audience. As the quarter‑finals loom, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a series of tightly contested fixtures, where any of the four teams could make a deep run toward the trophy. In summary, the second round of the Scottish League Cup delivered a blend of dominant performances, dramatic comebacks, and surprise upsets.
Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Ross County have all earned their tickets to the next stage, setting up a compelling quarter‑final draw that will test the mettle of each club as they chase silverware.