Hibernian booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Ross County on the far‑north pitch at Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club’s past cup successes – notably the 2010 victory and the unforgettable 2016 final – but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. From the outset, the Edinburgh side imposed their will, with Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor both finding the net within the first 14 minutes, giving David Gray’s men a comfortable lead that would only grow.
Klidje opened the scoring in the seventh minute, rising above the County defenders to direct a powerful header into the bottom corner of the net. Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee Akil Wright judged that Ross County full‑back Jason Kerr had pulled down Mayor from a corner taken by Felix Passlack.
Mayor stepped up confidently and slotted the spot‑kick home, doubling Hibs’ advantage. The early double left the home crowd stunned and set the tone for the remainder of the first half. The match continued at a lively tempo, with both teams exchanging blows in the midfield, but it was the visitors who kept creating the clearer chances.
In the 31st minute, Ante Suto added a third goal for Hibernian. After a well‑timed low cross from Jack Iredale, Suto met the ball with a well‑placed header that slipped past the Ross County goalkeeper, cementing the lead and effectively putting the tie beyond doubt before the interval. Ross County attempted to respond after the break, even altering their formation to a back‑three in an effort to shore up the defense. However, the change did little to stem the tide of Hibernian attacks.
County’s attempts from set‑pieces, including a header from Jason Kerr that flew over the bar, were consistently thwarted by the disciplined defensive line and the alertness of Hibernian’s goalkeeper, Brad Foster, who made several sharp saves, notably denying a close‑range effort from Iredale. In the latter stages of the game, Hibernian continued to press. With just under 15 minutes left, Mayor delivered a cross that found Nathan Lowe in the box, but the substitute’s shot went wide, offering a fleeting hope for the home side.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Hibernian, who managed the game expertly and secured their spot alongside Hearts in the semi‑finals. Meanwhile, Aberdeen also celebrated a hard‑won passage to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out win over Kilmarnock.
The Dons, managed by Stephen Robinson, had been under pressure following four league fixtures without scoring. The cup tie turned tense when Kilmarnock’s Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Despite being a man down, Aberdeen held on after Kevin Nisbet gave them an early lead by heading Connor Ronan’s cross past Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek. Kilmarnock fought back, and Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Happe’s dismissal, sending the match into extra time. Both sides created opportunities, but neither could find a winner in the added period, leading to a penalty shoot‑out.
Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, saving attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shoot‑out triumph for the Dons.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian as the three Scottish clubs that will now contest the semi‑finals. Kilmarnock fans, on the other hand, expressed their frustration, aware that the loss added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Overall, the two matches showcased the intensity and unpredictability of Scottish cup football. Hibernian’s early dominance and clinical finishing contrasted with Aberdeen’s resilience and composure under pressure, especially in the high‑stakes environment of a penalty shoot‑out.
Both clubs now look ahead to the semi‑finals, where they will aim to replicate their recent performances and push for a place in the coveted final. The upcoming semi‑finals promise exciting encounters, as the surviving teams will need to balance tactical discipline with attacking flair. For Hibernian, maintaining the sharpness displayed against Ross County will be crucial, while Aberdeen will rely on their defensive solidity and the confidence gained from their shoot‑out success.
Fans across Scotland can anticipate high‑energy matches that could shape the narrative of the season’s cup competition, with the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy and adding another chapter to their clubs’ storied histories. In addition to the on‑field action, the matches were accompanied by a range of related content on Sky Sports, including discussions about VAR involvement, referee analysis, and highlights from other leagues such as Serie A’s Sassuolo versus Juventus. The coverage also featured broader football news, such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s call for lifetime bans after a chant directed at Ruben Neves, and tactical insights from Leeds United manager Daniel Farke following their unbeaten Premier League start.
These side stories underscore the interconnected nature of modern football media, where domestic cup fixtures sit alongside international headlines and technological debates, enriching the overall fan experience.