This most bizarre of Aberdeen seasons will culminate in a Scottish Cup final appearance. Given the nature of what has come before, perhaps it would be folly to bet against them lifting the trophy for the first time since 1990. It is just that they made such heavy weather of defeating a Hearts team who played 75 minutes with 10 men and the dying stages of extra time with nine that it felt impossible to ignore the feeling of Celtic’s latest domestic treble drawing closer. In St Johnstone and Aberdeen, Celtic surely have favourable opposition as they aim to retain this cup.
Aberdeen are, however, fully entitled to enjoy their moment. Nobody really remembers or cares how semi-finals are won. It even seemed to intensify the Aberdeen celebrations that the key goal came just two minutes from the end of extra time, with Hearts trying to cling on for penalties. The Palestine international Oday Dabbagh was Aberdeen’s hero. There ended an ugly war of attrition.
