Hibernian booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals with a comfortable 3‑0 triumph over Ross County on the road in Dingwall, while Aberdeen earned a dramatic passage to the same stage after a tense penalty‑shootout victory against Kilmarnock. The Hibs encounter evoked memories of the club's past cup glories – notably the 2010 win and the unforgettable 2016 final – but the atmosphere in the Highlands this time was far from celebratory for the hosts. From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, netting two goals within the first 14 minutes through Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor, giving manager David Gray a firm grip on the match. Klidje opened the scoring in the seventh minute, rising above the Ross County defence to power a header into the bottom corner of the net.
Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner taken by Felix Passlack. Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, doubling Hibernian's lead. The third goal arrived six minutes before the interval when Ante Suto found space on the edge of the box and fired home, effectively putting the tie beyond any doubt.
Although Ross County never completely collapsed – they pressed at times and even forced a good save from Hibs keeper Brad Foster after a low cross from Jack Iredale – they could not generate a sustained threat and ultimately accepted defeat. The first half featured a lively opening, with both sides trading possession and testing each other's defensive lines. Ross County attempted to adjust after the break, even shifting to a back‑three formation in an effort to stifle Hibernian's attacking flow, but the visitors continued to dominate.
A further chance for Hibs came when Mayor delivered a pinpoint cross to Nathan Lowe with just under 15 minutes left, but the substitute's effort drifted wide of the post. In the second half, Hibernian simply managed the game, seeing out the remaining minutes with composure and ensuring that the scoreline remained unaltered. Their disciplined performance secured a place in the semi‑finals alongside the likes of Hearts, who had also progressed. Meanwhile, Aberdeen's journey to the semi‑finals was far more dramatic.
Manager Stephen Robinson had been under pressure after four league fixtures without finding the net, and the cup tie against Kilmarnock threatened to add to his woes. The match took a turn when Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the Dons to ten men and giving Kilmarnock a chance to level the contest. Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen an early advantage, heading Connor Ronan's cross past Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek.
However, the red card to Happe shifted momentum, and Tyreece John‑Jules equalised for the visitors, nullifying Nisbet's contribution and sending the game into extra time. During the additional period, both sides created several opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock. The stalemate was finally resolved via a penalty shootout. Aberdeen keeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shootout win for the Dons. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup. In contrast, Kilmarnock fans expressed their frustration, aware that the result intensified scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Both matches highlighted the unpredictable nature of cup football in Scotland.
Hibernian's clinical display demonstrated how early goals can dictate the tempo of a knockout tie, while Aberdeen's resilience under pressure illustrated the fine margins that separate triumph from disappointment. As the semi‑finals approach, fans can anticipate high‑stakes encounters, with the remaining teams eager to add their names to the list of recent cup winners. The upcoming semi‑finals promise to showcase a blend of tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and the ever‑present drama that defines Scottish cup competitions.
Whether it is Hibernian looking to replicate their 2010 and 2016 successes, Aberdeen seeking redemption after a turbulent league run, or other clubs aiming to carve their own legacy, the stage is set for compelling football that will keep supporters on the edge of their seats. In addition to the on‑field action, the tournament continues to generate excitement off the pitch, with promotional activities such as the Super 6 competition offering fans a chance to win a £1 million prize. Such initiatives underline the broader appeal of the cup, engaging a wide audience and adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling sporting event.