Following Aberdeen’s narrow defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final, interim manager Peter Leven commended his team for their stellar performance, setting a high bar for the future. Despite a thrilling 3-3 draw with Celtic at Hampden, the Dons fell short in a tense penalty shootout that saw them lose 6-5.

The match saw ups and downs for Aberdeen, with goals from Bojan Miovski, Nicolas Kuhn, and James Forrest bringing drama and excitement. Ester Sokler’s late equalizer forced extra time, and both teams continued to battle fiercely. In the end, a decisive penalty miss sealed Aberdeen’s fate, leaving the players and coaching staff disappointed but proud of their efforts.

Looking ahead, Aberdeen faces a crucial period in the post-split Premiership fixtures, aiming to secure safety in the league standings. Despite the setback, Leven expressed his pride in the team, acknowledging their dedication and strong performance throughout the season, especially considering their demanding schedule that included European competition.

As news emerged of Swedish manager Jimmy Thelin’s upcoming arrival at the club, Leven emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and urged his players to use this match as motivation for the challenges ahead. Encouraging his team to learn from the experience and stay focused for the remaining league games, Leven highlighted the resilience and determination shown by the players against a tough opponent like Celtic.

Reflecting on contentious refereeing decisions during the game, including penalty appeals and handball claims, Leven remained diplomatic, acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties that can arise in football matches. While disappointed by the outcome, he remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s abilities and their capacity to bounce back from setbacks.