Celtic Survives Dundee Scare in 2-1 Scottish Cup Thriller

In a match that had everything—grit, drama, and last-gasp heroics—Celtic scraped through to a 2-1 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Cup fifth round on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Celtic Park. The game, which went to extra time, showcased Celtic's resilience under Martin O'Neill, but it was Dundee, managed by Steven Pressley, who threatened to pull off a major upset. Late strikes from Junior Adamu and Sebastian Tounekti ensured Celtic's progression, but not without a scare that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Match Recap: A Tale of Two Halves and Extra-Time Magic

The encounter started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out in the opening 45 minutes. Celtic, the favorites and Scottish Premiership powerhouses, dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Dundee, fighting relegation concerns in the league, set up in a compact defensive shape, frustrating the home side and limiting their attacks to half-hearted efforts.

The second half exploded into life early when Dundee's E. Hamilton slotted home the opener in the 49th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack. The goal silenced the Celtic Park crowd and put Pressley's men in dreamland. Celtic pushed hard for an equalizer, but Dundee's backline, led by a resolute performance, held firm. It wasn't until the dying embers of normal time—90+7 minutes, to be precise—that Junior Adamu, making his debut, rose highest to head in a Sebastian Tounekti assist, leveling the score at 1-1.

With the tie heading to extra time, the tension was palpable. Dundee looked leggy but determined, while Celtic injected fresh energy. The breakthrough came in the 92nd minute of extra time when Tounekti himself found the net, assisted by Liam McCowan, sealing a hard-fought win. The final whistle brought relief to the Hoops faithful, but it was clear this was no stroll in the park.

Key Stats and Standout Performances

Celtic held 62% possession and fired 18 shots compared to Dundee's 9, but their inefficiency upfront was a concern. Adamu's goal was a highlight on his bow, showcasing his aerial prowess, while Tounekti's dual contribution—assist and goal—earned him man-of-the-match honors. For Dundee, Hamilton's clinical finish was a bright spot, and their defensive organization kept a high-flying Celtic attack at bay for much of the game.

Goalkeeper saves were crucial too: Celtic's shot-stopper made three key stops, while Dundee's netminder was called into action five times. The match's physicality was evident, with six yellow cards issued, reflecting the intensity of a cup tie between these historic rivals.

Expert Reactions: Praise for Dundee, Credit for Celtic's Grit

Post-match analysis poured in from all angles. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner, speaking on BBC Sportsound, admitted, "Dundee played really well over 90 minutes and probably deserved to go through. Celtic got off the hook in that dying moment. It was a really good cup tie." His sentiments echoed the view that Pressley's tactics nearly paid off.

Rory Loy, ex-Dundee striker, added on the same broadcast, "You have to credit Celtic, even though they didn't play particularly well. They just kept going and going right until the end. Martin O'Neill has a real knack of pulling irons out of the fire." Charlie Mulgrew, a former Celtic defender commenting for Premier Sports, was full of praise for the visitors: "Dundee had long spells [of possession] and the game plan worked perfectly. I was really impressed with them today."

Player reactions were equally telling. Tounekti told Premier Sports, "It was a hard one, we didn't play so good today. The rhythm wasn't there. We scored in extra time and we're through, that's the most important thing." Adamu, beaming after his debut impact, said, "Amazing feeling, I'm really happy to help the team into the next round."

Broader Implications: Celtic Eyes Quarter-Finals, Dundee Focuses on Survival

This result keeps Celtic's domestic treble dreams alive, advancing them to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. The draw, broadcast live on BBC following Stenhousemuir vs. Falkirk on Sunday at 19:30 GMT, promises more intrigue. O'Neill's side now shifts focus to league duties, but this win injects momentum at a crucial juncture.

For Dundee, it's back to the drawing board. Despite the narrow defeat, their performance against their former boss O'Neill (Pressley once played for Celtic) was commendable. This season's head-to-head record—Dundee's 2-0 league win, Celtic's 1-0 revenge, and now this cup thriller—highlights the competitiveness. Pressley will demand similar resilience as they face Falkirk midweek, with relegation the bigger battle. As Mulgrew noted, if Dundee replicate this form, survival is within reach.

Head-to-Head History and Rivalry Context

Celtic and Dundee's rivalry dates back decades, with Celtic historically dominant but Dundee capable of shocks. This cup clash fits the narrative: Celtic's star power versus Dundee's underdog spirit. Across three meetings this season, Dundee has proven a tough nut, winning once and losing tightly twice. It's a reminder that in Scottish football, no game is a given.

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic fans can relive the action on Sportscene, airing on BBC One Scotland at 22:25 GMT Saturday. O'Neill and Pressley are expected to give full debriefs on club pages soon. For Dundee, the wound-licking continues, but positives abound. As the Scottish Cup heats up, this tie exemplifies why the competition remains a highlight of the calendar—unpredictable, passionate, and full of stories.

In the end, Celtic's experience triumphed, but Dundee departed with heads held high. Football doesn't get much better than this.