Celtic vs Aberdeen as it happened

It was the game of the season with a thrilling finish as Aberdeen battled back from two goals down to earn a point

It was a battle for the ages at Celtic Park as Aberdeen came back from two goals down to seal a 2-2 draw in the game of the season so far. Much was made about the Premiership’s top two, both with 100 per cent records, going head to head. But it initially appeared the champions would cruise it, Reo Hatate and Kyogo putting them two up at half-time.

But it was an almighty false dawn. Jimmy Thelin turned to Ester Sokler and Duk at the break and inspired a comeback the travelling Aberdeen faithful will remember forever. It was the Estonian striker’s crisp finish from the edge of the box that sparked hope, and after Graeme Shinnie’s deflected finish equalised, there were huge celebrations.

Aberdeen thought they were in dreamland when Duk appeared to nick it but VAR spotted a handball in the buildup. And Celtic also thought they had won it at the end, Adam Idah’s goal ruled out for a foul on Dimitar Mitov.

A thrilling finale hit fever pitch with two Celtic penalty claims. First Luke McCowan went down but the foul was deemed outside the box. Then from the resulting stramash, there were shouts of handball on Duk – but VAR told Nick Walsh there was nothing in it, and he blew the final whistle instead.

Was that a lot to take in? Well, we’re only getting started. Stick with us and we’ll do our best to bring you all the reaction!

Thelin staying grounded

Ice cool Jimmy Thelin insists he is still not getting carried away with Aberdeen’s superb start to the season after the Dons staged a stunning second half comeback to earn a point in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Celtic at Parkhead.

The visitors found themselves 2-0 down within 27 minutes courtesy of goals from Reo Hatate and Kyogo but fought back to claim a share of the spoils thanks to half time substitute Ester Sokler and influential skipper Graeme Shinnie. While the hosts bombarded Aberdeen in search of a winner in a manic last 10 minutes, the Reds had some big chances themselves, with striker Duk seeing a goal chalked off by VAR for a handball. Dimitar Mitov was kept busy while Cape Verde international Duk also cleared one off the line for his team in the final minute of injury time.

‘Aberdeen have a luxury that we don’t’ – Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers reckons it is “very early” to be branding Aberdeen as title challengers – as the Celtic boss named the “luxury” Jimmy Thelin has that he is missing.

The hosts raced into a first half lead thanks to goals from Reo Hatate and Kyogo, but the Hoops succumbed to the Dons in the second half as Ester Sokler pulled a goal back before Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie saw his effort deflect beyond Kasper Schmeichel and into the net. Both side saw their perfect records in the Scottish Premiership apart – and while it’s Celtic that hold onto top spot on goal difference it’s Jimmy Thelin’s men that will happier with the point as they travel back to the Granite City.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound after the game, Rodgers was reminded that he previously didn’t brand the Pittodrie side title contenders having not faced off against them so far this term. And he was quizzed on if he had seen a “good team” battle back in Glasgow’s east end.

3 talking points

Graeme Shinnie celebrates after scoring to make it 2-2 (Image: SNS Group)

Anyone else need a coffee after that? Or something stronger?

Relive it all with Craig Swan’s 3 talking points from Parkhead.

KEY EVENT

Should the Duk goal have been ruled out?

It could have been the winner for the Dons – but VAR stepped in.

Chance to catch a breathe

Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes (L) makes a block on the line from Celtic’s Alistair Johnston (Image: SNS Group)

A bonkers last couple of minutes saw Aberdeen survive by the skin of their teeth to claim a huge point at Parkhead.

Dimitar Mitov produced a stunning save before striker Duk got himself back on the goaline to somehow keep it out.

VAR was called into check whether the Cape Verde man had used his arm to divert it away from goal, but nothing was doing and the full-time whistle was blown.