The Scottish League Cup produced a series of decisive results on Tuesday, with four clubs securing their spots in the quarter‑final stage. Celtic demonstrated their class with a convincing 4‑0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice Park, while Aberdeen dispatched Dundee 3‑0 at Pittodrie.
In the lower divisions, Kilmarnock edged Ayr United 3‑2 in a dramatic comeback, and Ross County stunned Dunfermline Athletic 2‑1 to claim the final place in the last eight. Celtic’s victory was highlighted by the debut goal of Colombian forward Camilo Duran, who opened the scoring after a well‑executed corner. The sequence began when Auston Trusty rose to meet Benjamin Nygren’s set‑piece, directing a header that found Duran’s feet. The striker calmly slotted the ball past the Dundee United goalkeeper, giving the visitors an early lead.
The momentum continued in the second half when Sebastian Tounekti, a recent addition to the squad, struck low and precise, finding the bottom corner to double the lead. Nygren, who had provided the earlier assist, added his own contribution by curling a shot from the edge of the box into the net, completing a comfortable four‑goal haul for the Glasgow side.
The match also marked the first appearances for two new signings, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, who were introduced in the latter stages of the game. Their inclusion is part of manager Ange Postecoglou’s preparation for the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Austrian side LASK, scheduled for Wednesday at Celtic Park.
The early round win not only secured Celtic’s place in the quarter‑final draw, set for Sunday, but also provided a useful platform for integrating fresh talent ahead of the European challenge. Aberdeen’s campaign was equally straightforward.
Captain Kevin Nisbet delivered a brace, finding the net in the 51st and 63rd minutes to put the Dons firmly in control. Between his two goals, midfielder Mitchy Ntelo celebrated his first senior goal for the club, adding to the tally and cementing a 3‑0 victory over a struggling Dundee side. The match was marred for the visitors when their captain and leading striker, Simon Murray, suffered a knee injury in the first half of the second period, forcing him off and further weakening Dundee’s attacking options. The loss proved decisive, as Aberdeen capitalised on the numerical and morale advantage to seal their quarter‑final berth.
In the League One bracket, Ross County produced an upset against higher‑ranked Dunfermline Athletic. The game was tightly contested, with Liam Lindsay giving the County side the lead shortly after the interval.
Dunfermline responded swiftly, with Allan Oyirworth equalising ten minutes from full‑time, setting up a tense finish. It was Richard Chin who ultimately broke the deadlock, striking in the 85th minute to restore Ross County’s advantage and secure a 2‑1 win. The victory propelled the Highland club into the last eight, where they will join the senior teams in the upcoming draw. Kilmarnock’s path to the quarter‑finals was the most dramatic of the night.
Facing local rivals Ayr United, the Ayrshire side fell behind early when Owen Stirton found the net with a powerful volley. Joe Hugill restored parity for Kilmarnock, and the match seemed poised for extra time when Ross Taylor delivered a superb finish to give the visitors a 2‑1 lead. However, Michael Schjonning‑Larsen answered with an impressive solo effort, leveling the score at 2‑2 with just ten minutes remaining. The decisive moment arrived in the dying seconds when Nicky Clescenco displayed composure under pressure, delicately dinking the ball into the net after Ayr’s goalkeeper Harry Stone mishandled a deep cross.
The late winner completed a remarkable comeback, earning Kilmarnock a 3‑2 triumph and a place in the quarter‑finals. These four results set the stage for an exciting quarter‑final lineup, featuring a mix of established Premiership clubs and ambitious lower‑division sides.
Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Ross County will each look to build on their performances as they prepare for the next round, scheduled for Sunday. Fans can anticipate further drama, especially with the potential for giant‑killing acts from the underdogs.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Premier League continues to offer live streaming options, allowing supporters to watch matches on mobile devices and catch highlights for free. The competition’s format ensures that every match carries significant weight, and the recent outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of knockout football in Scotland.
For those interested in additional engagement, the tournament’s sponsors are offering a Super 6 competition, giving participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool at no cost. This promotional element adds another layer of excitement for fans following the cup’s progression.