Aberdeen’s deadline day signing Mats Knoester experienced first-hand just how ruthless Celtic can be, as the Hoops ran out 5-1 winners at Celtic Park on Tuesday night.

The Dutch centre-back was left impressed by Brendan Rodgers’ side, admitting that their efficiency in front of goal was the key difference between the teams.

Aberdeen’s Missed Chances Prove Costly

Despite Aberdeen creating several clear-cut chances in the first half, they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time. The Dons will feel they could have had more to show for their efforts, but Celtic’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The Hoops had seven shots on target throughout the game, converting five of them—a statistic that highlighted their superior quality in attack.

Knoester’s Verdict on Celtic’s Ruthlessness

Speaking to The Courier & Advertiser, Knoester praised Celtic’s efficiency, saying: “Celtic are a great team and you can see that in the clinical finishes, how effective they are.” The Dutch defender acknowledged that while Aberdeen had their chances, the major difference between the sides was Celtic’s ability to convert opportunities into goals.

He continued: “Of course, after 5-1, it’s hard to speak about positive things, but I do think if you look at the bigger picture. We had some big opportunities to score a goal and I think the biggest difference was they are so clinical.

“One chance, or not even a 100% chance, is a goal and I think that was basically the story of the first half. Every chance was a goal and we weren’t clinical enough.”

Celtic’s Finishing Sets Them Apart

The performance against Aberdeen once again showcased why Celtic remain the dominant force in Scotland. Brendan Rodgers’ men have consistently demonstrated their ability to punish teams with their attacking prowess, a trait that continues to set them apart from the rest of the leaggue. For Aberdeen and Knoester, the lesson was clear—when facing Celtic, every chance matters.