Aberdeen and Celtic have played out some special league games since the formation of the Scottish Premier League in 1999.
As the two unbeaten teams in the Scottish Premiership prepare to meet at Pittodrie tomorrow the Press and Journal has delved into the vaults to pick out five memorable league meetings between the clubs.
Aberdeen 2, Celtic 0 – Saturday, December 22, 2001
Aberdeen made it nine wins in a row at Pittodrie with a remarkable win against the SPL champions.
This was a memorable game in more ways than one with Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov being struck by a snowball, goalkeeper Rab Douglas having a moment to forget for the Dons’ second goal and the win being capped by the players joining together for a train celebration.
The icy conditions made for a remarkable game and Robbie Winters’ penalty put the Dons in front before the pressure came from the Hoops.
Aberdeen held out though and with the game heading into added time Darren Mackie dispossessed Douglas before running clear to smash the ball into the empty net to give his side their first win against the Hoops in three years and spark jubilant celebrations.
Celtic 1, Aberdeen 2 – Wednesday, April 21, 2004
A historic night in Glasgow as Celtic’s 77-game unbeaten home record was brought to an end by an added time goal from Australian David Zdrilic.
It had looked like another procession was in order when Henrik Larsson put the Hoops ahead with his 36th goal of the season, but former Celtic player Bryan Prunty levelled when he converted a Scott Muirhead cross.
It was Aberdeen’s first win against Celtic in Glasgow in 11 years and was the more remarkable considering an injury crisis had hit the Dons and manager Steve Paterson fielded five teenagers in his team.
Celtic 2, Aberdeen 3 – Wednesday, October 27, 2004
John Stewart was the unlikely hero with his added-time goal giving Aberdeen victory at Parkhead.
The Dons had been 2-0 up after six minutes thanks to goals from Darren Mackie and Fernando Pasquinelli but two low drives from John Hartson hauled the Hoops level.
However, with Celtic pushing for a winner, goalkeeper Ryan Esson made a great save to deny Bobo Balde before substitute Stewart, who came on in the 78th minute for the hobbling Kevin McNaughton, capitalised on poor defending to run clear and beat goalkeeper David Marshall.
Aberdeen 4, Celtic 2 – Sunday, January 18, 2009
Two goals in three second-half minutes secured a fine win for the Dons at Pittodrie.
Gary McDonald’s looping header gave the Dons the lead, but it lasted all of a minute as Scott Brown equalised for the champions.
Stuart Duff’s half-volley restored the home side’s lead only for Scott McDonald to equalise in the second half. However, Zander Diamond scored twice, getting on the end of two Charlie Mulgrew free kicks to give Aberdeen a sixth consecutive home win.
Aberdeen 4, Celtic 4 – Sunday, February 13, 2010
It was not a win for the Dons, but it felt as good as one following a remarkable conclusion to an eight-goal thriller at Pittodrie.
The Dons levelled twice before half-time with goals from Michael Paton and Darren Mackie cancelling out efforts from Diomansy Kamara and Marc-Antoine Fortune for Celtic.
A second-half header from Robbie Keane and a powerful drive from Aiden McGeady looked to have won the game.
However, a double from Steven MacLean, the first coming from the penalty spot, tied the game once more and the Hoops ended the match with 10 men when Darren O’Dea was sent off for a second booking in added time.