Sokler and Shinnie strike as Aberdeen fightback for draw with Celtic

In the 102nd minute, beyond five o’clock, time was called on an ­extraordinary encounter. The final act, fittingly, was an outstanding ­goal line block from Duk to deny Alistair Johnston.

Celtic huffed and puffed as they sought to snatch the odd goal in five and place daylight between ­themselves and Aberdeen at the ­summit of Scotland’s Premiership. That there was no winner felt ­appropriate, given Aberdeen’s ­contribution to this epic. Whether or not Jimmy Thelin’s ­rejuvenation of Aberdeen will result in major ­honours remains to be seen. What feels pretty clear is that this, as game of the ­season, is unlikely to be beaten. This took place in front of Sir Alex Ferguson, who made a specialism out of bringing Aberdeen teams to Glasgow and inflicting bloody noses. The great man must have approved.

Even Celtic’s followers should not begrudge Aberdeen their point. The same support should be ­fearful of what will transpire in Bergamo on Wednesday, should Celtic be so ­defensively generous against Atalanta. Without Cameron Carter-Vickers, who missed this game through injury, the Celtic back line is shaky. The unwillingness of Brendan Rodgers to speculate on Carter-Vickers’s situation with Atalanta in mind did not sound particularly hopeful. To his credit, Rodgers did not sugarcoat Celtic’s capitulation from 2-0 ahead here. “We got punished for being careless,” Rodgers said. The Celtic manager cut an irritated figure.

Thelin made attacking ­substitutions at half-time and totally altered the flow of the match. If that was not worthy of enough praise, Aberdeen’s refusal to wilt during 12 minutes of stoppage time was ­striking. Lesser teams would have folded. Thelin has a good thing going at Pittodrie. And still going it is, after the most ­stringent ­test of all.

Quick Guide Scottish roundup: Cameron's strike edges Dundee win over Motherwell Show Neil Critchley enjoyed a dream debut as Hearts manager as they recorded their first victory of the season with an emphatic 4-0 win over St Mirren. Kenneth Vargas broke the deadlock following a slick team move, with Daniel Oyegoke's unbelievable strike, academy graduate James Wilson's first professional goal and Blair Spittal's late effort securing a much-needed and thoroughly deserved win. Dundee United scored twice in stoppage time to secure an incredible 3-2 victory over Hibernian at Tannadice. The hosts took the lead through Sam Dalby but Warren O'Hora equalised before the break and substitute Dwight Gayle headed the visitors in front. Hibs had captain Joe Newell sent off late on and Luca Stephenson levelled three minutes into stoppage time before Meshack Ubochioma sensationally won it six minutes later. Dundee earned their first victory in six matches after edging out Motherwell in a scrappy encounter at Fir Park. Lyall Cameron powered home the only goal of the game in the 37th minute. Benjamin Kimpioka's first-half double helped St Johnstone to their first home league win of 2024 as they defeated nine-man Ross County 3-0 at McDiarmid Park. With new manager Simo Valakari watching from the stand after a work permit delay, the Saints took an early lead as Adama Sidibeh crossed for his strike partner Kimpioka to tap home. County were reduced to 10 men when Elijah Campbell saw red for two bookings and Kimpioka punished them with another back post finish just before the break. Nicky Clark had a goal ruled out by VAR before County substitute Charlie Telfer was given a straight red card on a miserable afternoon for the Staggies. Makenzie Kirk then added a third goal in stoppage time to wrap up the victory. PA Media Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Rex Features Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback.

At the break, even the most ­optimistic of Aberdeen’s followers could not have envisaged what was to come. Dimitar Mitov, the Aberdeen keeper, was indecisive as Arne Engels played a through pass to Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japan ­forward seized his time and ­opportunity, ­pulling the ball back for Reo Hatate. Hatate gave Mitov no chance from 12 yards. Kyogo helped himself to Celtic’s ­second. Hatate’s shot was blocked by the arms of Gavin Molloy, meaning a ­penalty was likely heading Celtic’s way ­anyway. Furuhashi removed the need for a video ­assistant referee check by pouncing on the loose ball. Celtic Park celebrated in a manner which ­suggested Aberdeen’s heady days were over.

Quick Guide How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts? Show Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.

If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.

In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.

Turn on sport notifications. Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback.

Thelin rightly spotted that the best way to defend against Celtic is to attack. Enter Ester Sokler and Duk, who offered ­mobility in forward areas. Sokler’s maiden act was to latch onto Jamie McGrath’s through ball and slot beyond Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic failed to heed the warning. A Daizen Maeda error allowed Graeme Shinnie to fire in a shot, which flew past Schmeichel with the aid of a deflection. Shock rippled through the stands.

Aberdeen believed they had ­completed an astonishing comeback when Slobodan Rubezic’s header from a McGrath free-kick found the net via Duk. The problem was, Duk had used an elbow to deflect the ball. The goal was correctly ruled out.

The sight of 10 minutes on the fourth official’s board would have caused palpitations among the ­vociferous visiting support. James Forrest forced Mitov into a smart stop as Celtic rallied. Auston Trusty missed a ­glorious chance from a Paolo Bernardo corner. Adam Idah had the ball in the Aberdeen net but Mitov had been fouled. Luke McCowan won a Celtic free-kick just inches from the ­penalty area. Mitov saved brilliantly from Idah before Celtic claimed a spot-kick for handball from that incredible Duk intervention.

skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Football Daily Free daily newsletter Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football Enter your email address Sign up Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy . We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion

Thelin, who is calm by nature, smiled as he reflected on “crazy moments” as the clock ticked on, and on, and on. “The players ­sacrificed themselves,” added the Swede. “They tried with absolutely everything they had. I am proud of them.” He should be equally proud of himself. Aberdeen in this form are made of proper stuff.

Celtic have only a few days to ­rediscover their mettle.

Click here to read article