St Mirren pulled off a stunning upset by beating Celtic 3-1 in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park on December 14, 2025. Goals from Marcus Fraser and a brace from Jonah Ayunga sealed the victory, marking the club’s second League Cup triumph in history and sparking wild celebrations among players and fans.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
St Mirren took an early lead when captain Marcus Fraser scored just two minutes into the game. Celtic fought back with a goal from Reo Hatate in the 23rd minute to level the score before halftime.
The second half belonged to St Mirren, as Jonah Ayunga netted twice in the 64th and 76th minutes to secure the win. This result ended Celtic’s recent dominance in the competition and highlighted St Mirren’s strong form under manager Stephen Robinson.
Fans and analysts noted the tactical edge St Mirren held, with quick counter-attacks catching Celtic off guard. The victory came amid Celtic’s tough start under new manager Wilfried Nancy, who has yet to find his footing since taking over.
Jonah Ayunga’s Joyful Reaction
Jonah Ayunga, the hero with two goals, shared his excitement after the match. He described the win as a dream come true, especially after years of playing without major silverware.
Ayunga mentioned meeting fans earlier in the week, where the cup final was the main topic. His performance not only won the game but also etched his name in St Mirren history.
This triumph feels extra special for Ayunga, who turns 30 soon and sees it as the peak of his career so far.
Captains Share Pride and Relief
Marcus Fraser, who wore the armband on the day and scored the opener, praised the team’s belief and timing. He credited the squad’s quality and the manager’s plan for the success.
Fraser emphasized how scoring at key moments built momentum. The win brought joy to everyone involved, from players to supporters.
Mark O’Hara, the regular captain who returned from injury, called the moment special. He admitted to nearly tearing up before the game due to his recovery worries.
O’Hara highlighted the joy since joining St Mirren and dedicated the win to the fans who fuel the team.
Impact on St Mirren’s Season
This cup win boosts St Mirren’s confidence as they aim for a strong league finish. Currently sitting mid-table in the Scottish Premiership, the team has shown they can compete with giants like Celtic.
Recent matches, including a solid run before the final, suggest more success could follow. Analysts predict this victory might attract new talent to the club in the January transfer window.
For Celtic, the loss adds pressure on Nancy, whose side has struggled in early games. Fans hope for a quick turnaround in upcoming fixtures.
Here are some key stats from the match:
| Statistic | St Mirren | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Possession (%) | 42 | 58 |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
Fan Reactions and Broader Context
Supporters flooded social media with praise for the underdog victory. Many called it one of the biggest shocks in recent Scottish football history.
This result echoes St Mirren’s first League Cup win in 1987, adding to the club’s legacy. It also comes during a season where smaller teams have challenged the Old Firm more often.
Players like Ayunga and Fraser have become instant legends in Paisley. The win unites the community and sets a positive tone for the rest of 2025.
- Fans celebrated late into the night, with videos showing street parties in Paisley.
- Online posts highlighted Ayunga’s double as the turning point.
- Experts noted St Mirren’s defense held firm against Celtic’s attacks.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
St Mirren now focuses on league games, with their next match against a mid-table rival. This cup success could propel them toward European spots.
Celtic must regroup quickly, facing tough fixtures in the coming weeks. Nancy’s strategies will be under scrutiny as the team aims to reclaim form.
Overall, this final showcased the excitement of Scottish football, where upsets keep the sport thrilling.
What do you think about St Mirren’s win? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word with friends who love football.
