Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals after a dominant 3-0 win over Ross County at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, but this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. Early pressure from the visitors paid off quickly, with Thibault Klidje finding the net within the first seven minutes, rising above the County defence to head the ball into the bottom corner. Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded when Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack.
Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, giving Hibs a two‑goal cushion before the half‑hour mark. The third goal arrived six minutes before the break when Ante Suto connected with a low cross from Jack Iredale, heading the ball past the goalkeeper to make the scoreline 3-0 and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for Ross County. Although the Staggies never looked completely outclassed, they were unable to generate sustained pressure or create clear-cut chances, and Hibernian saw out the remainder of the game with composure.
The opening stages of the contest were lively, with both teams trading possession and testing each other’s defenses. However, it was Hibs who struck first, and the early goal set the tone for the rest of the match. The penalty that followed was a further blow to the home side, and Mayor’s conversion left the visitors with a comfortable lead.
In the second half, Ross County attempted to adjust their tactics, even switching to a three‑man back line in an effort to stem the flow of Hibs attacks. Despite this reshuffle, the visitors continued to dominate aerially and on set pieces. Mayor later tried to double the lead by delivering a cross to Nathan Lowe, but the Hibs substitute missed the target, providing a brief moment of relief for the home crowd.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, earned their semi‑final berth in a dramatic fashion. Manager Stephen Robinson saw his ten‑man side prevail in a penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock after a hard‑fought extra‑time battle. The Dons had been under pressure following four league games without scoring, and the cup tie offered a potential lifeline. The match began with Kevin Nisbet putting Aberdeen ahead after heading Connor Ronan’s cross beyond Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek.
The lead was short‑lived, however, as a red card for defender Daniel Happe shifted the momentum. With Aberdeen reduced to ten men, Tyreece John‑Jules equalised for Kilmarnock, forcing the game into extra time. During the additional thirty minutes, both sides created several opportunities but failed to find a decisive goal. Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller emerged as the hero in the ensuing shoot‑out, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
The final penalty was taken by Jack Milne, who calmly dispatched his kick to secure a 3‑1 victory in the shoot‑out and send Aberdeen into the semi‑finals alongside Hibernian and Hearts. The win sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters flooded the pitch in celebration, while Kilmarnock fans expressed their disappointment, aware that the result added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Both matches highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of cup football. Hibernian’s early dominance and clinical finishing underscored their intent to challenge for the trophy, while Aberdeen’s resilience under adversity demonstrated the importance of composure and mental strength in knockout scenarios.
As the semi‑finals approach, fans can anticipate tightly contested fixtures, with the remaining teams eager to add their names to the list of recent cup winners. The upcoming ties promise tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the ever‑present possibility of drama that defines Scottish cup competitions. For supporters of both clubs, the journey to the semi‑finals provides a renewed sense of optimism.
Hibernian will look to build on their convincing performance, perhaps tweaking their defensive shape to guard against complacency, while Aberdeen will aim to capitalize on the momentum generated by their penalty triumph, hoping to restore confidence after a recent goal drought. The next round will test their depth, strategic planning, and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the League Cup campaign.