Celtic’s attacking variations against Aberdeen showcased their tactical flexibility, quick transitions, and positional play. Here’s how they approached the game offensively:
1. Wide Overloads and Quick Wing Play
- Celtic used their full-backs and wingers to create overloads on the flanks, forcing Aberdeen’s defense to stretch.
- Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston pushed high up, supporting Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada in wide areas.
- This allowed quick one-twos and cutbacks into the box.
2. Central Rotations and Fluid Movement
- Celtic’s midfield, led by Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate, constantly rotated positions.
- This disrupted Aberdeen’s defensive shape, making it difficult for them to mark Celtic’s playmakers.
- Kyogo Furuhashi dropped deep at times, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for runners.
3. Quick Vertical Passing and High Tempo
- Celtic didn’t waste time in possession; they moved the ball quickly with short, sharp passes.
- They looked to play through the lines instead of circulating possession aimlessly.
- This forced Aberdeen’s midfield to chase the ball and left gaps to exploit.
4. Switching Play to Stretch Aberdeen
- When one flank became congested, Celtic quickly switched play to the opposite side.
- This shifted Aberdeen’s defensive structure and opened space for attacking runs.
5. Attacking Set-Pieces and Late Runs into the Box
- Celtic utilized short corners and deep crosses to create chances from set-pieces.
- Midfielders made late runs into the box, catching Aberdeen’s defense off guard.
Impact of Celtic’s Attacking Variations
- Stretched Aberdeen’s defensive line, creating spaces for key passes.
- Forced Aberdeen to defend deep, limiting their ability to counter-attack.
- Created multiple goal-scoring opportunities through structured but unpredictable attacking moves.
Celtic’s attacking strategy was a mix of controlled buildup, quick combinations, and aggressive wing play, making them difficult to contain.