Celtic storm past Motherwell as Abada is unstoppable and Kyogo finally ends frustrations – 3 talking points

Celtic brought the magic to Fir Park as Liel Abacadabra Abada announced open sesame to another Hampden date.

Ange Postecoglou’s side breezed into the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals with a 4-0 win over Motherwell that could have so easily been an even bigger victory. Abada grabbed the first two goals before Reo Hatate’s nifty footwork put the result beyond all doubt. Kyogo Furuhashi wiped away his recent frustrations with the fourth goal on a night of tricks that dazzled the home side – and made their hopes of a shock disappear.

Celtic came flying out the blocks – they usually do – and passed up a couple of early chances. None more so than Kyogo, who somehow managed to hit the ball wide past the post after a pass from Hatate. It was on a plate with the Japanese striker just six yards out but he spurned the opportunity; no doubt hitting his confidence that wee bit more.

Sorry, did we infer Kyogo’s self-belief was low? Cancel that comment. A few minutes later the forward spanked one from 25 yards out, his left foot slamming a strike that saw the ball cannon off Liam Kelly’s bar. Then it was Aaron Mooy’s turn to have a pop. The Australian took Sead Haksabanovic’s centre into his path before firing an attempt towards goal. Kelly saved but the pressure was being piled on.

That was until Moritz Jenz played himself and his team into trouble. The centre back was too casual in attempting to let the ball run for a goal kick and that let in Connor Shields who squared for Stuart McKinstry. The Leeds United star had all the time in the world to find the net. But he blazed over for sitter No.2 of the night.

It was end-to-end stuff now; Kyogo being played through on goal but met the none-shall-pass presence of Kelly and the chance