Hibernian comfortably progressed to the League Cup semi-finals after delivering a dominant 3-0 performance against Ross County at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2010 and the memorable 2016 final, yet this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. Early pressure paid off for the visitors, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first ten minutes and Adam Mayor adding a second shortly thereafter, establishing a clear advantage for David Gray's squad.
Ante Suto completed the scoring just before the interval, effectively sealing the tie and leaving Ross County with little hope of a comeback. Although the Staggies never looked completely out of the contest, they were unable to generate sustained pressure, and Hibs saw the remainder of the match out with relative ease.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams probing each other's defenses, but it was Hibernian who struck first in the seventh minute. Klidje rose above the County defenders to direct a powerful header into the bottom corner, giving the visitors an early lead. Seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a Felix Passlack corner. Full‑back Mayor stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, extending the lead to 2‑0.
In the build‑up to the halftime goal, a well‑crafted move saw Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright combine in midfield, creating space for Ante Suto to meet a low cross with a precise header that found the back of the net. The goal came six minutes before the break and put the match beyond doubt.
Ross County attempted to respond after the interval, even switching to a back‑three formation in an effort to tighten up defensively, but Hibernian continued to dominate possession and create the better chances. A further set‑piece saw Mayor deliver a dangerous ball to Nathan Lowe, whose shot was saved by the Hibs substitute, while Kerr headed over from another corner. Despite a few moments of pressure from the home side, including a near‑miss header from Suto that sailed over the bar, the visitors maintained control. The final fifteen minutes saw Hibernian manage the game intelligently, seeing out the clock and securing their place in the next round without any late consolation for Ross County.
In a separate quarter‑final, Aberdeen also booked a semi‑final berth after a dramatic penalty‑shootout victory over Kilmarnock. Manager Stephen Robinson had been under scrutiny following a goalless run in his first four league fixtures, and the Dons appeared to be heading for another disappointment when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet had opened the scoring. The match went to extra time after Daniel Happe was sent off, and although Aberdeen missed several chances to clinch the win in the added period, they held their nerve in the shootout.
Goalkeeper Marius Müller made crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola, and Jack Milne ultimately secured a 3‑1 victory on penalties. The win sparked jubilant celebrations among Aberdeen supporters, who spilled onto the pitch alongside fans of Hearts and Hibernian, all reveling in their clubs' progression to the semi‑finals.
Kilmarnock fans, on the other hand, expressed frustration as the defeat added further pressure on manager Neil McCann. The decisive moments of the match included Nisbet's header from a Connor Ronan cross that gave Aberdeen the early lead, Happe's red card that reduced the Dons to ten men, and John‑Jules' equaliser that forced extra time.
Both fixtures highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of knockout football, with Hibernian demonstrating clinical finishing and defensive solidity, while Aberdeen showcased resilience under pressure and composure in a high‑stakes penalty shootout. As the semi‑finals approach, the remaining teams will be keen to build on these performances, knowing that a single lapse could end their cup hopes. The upcoming matches promise further drama, with the prospect of a final that could see any of the semi‑finalists lift the trophy.
Fans can also look forward to additional entertainment, as the competition continues to deliver memorable moments and showcases the depth of talent across Scottish football.