Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen eyes Scottish Cup glory against Celtic this weekend.
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As the Scottish Cup final approaches, Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen is brimming with excitement and determination. The 22-year-old Finnish international, who joined Aberdeen from HJK Helsinki last summer for £860,000, views this match against Celtic as the pinnacle of his career thus far.
Having previously tasted cup success in Finland, Keskinen believes that winning the Scottish Cup would be a monumental achievement, especially considering Aberdeen’s long-standing quest for silverware.
The significance of the Scottish Cup final
Keskinen’s journey to this moment has been marked by significant milestones, including his debut for the Finnish national team.
However, he emphasizes that the Scottish Cup final is unlike any other match he has played. “I’ve played in some big games, but never in a cup final like this. The Scottish Cup final is the biggest and most important game for me,” he stated. With a passionate 20,000-strong Red Army expected to travel to Hampden Park, Keskinen is keenly aware of the support behind him and his teammates. “We need to show them our fighting spirit in the final,” he added.
Learning from past experiences
Despite his previous cup victories, Keskinen reflects on the differences between Finnish and Scottish football cultures. In Finland, cup competitions often lack the prestige and excitement that they hold in Scotland. “In Finland, if you lose the cup, you’re like: ‘Okay, now we have less games and we can focus on the league.’ That’s the mentality there – I don’t really like that,” he explained. This contrast fuels his desire to win the Scottish Cup, where the stakes are higher and the passion is palpable. With Aberdeen having not lifted the trophy since 1990, Keskinen understands the weight of history resting on their shoulders.
Facing Celtic: A formidable challenge
Aberdeen’s path to the final has not been without its challenges, particularly their recent encounters with Celtic, where they suffered heavy defeats. Keskinen acknowledges the need for his team to be clinical in front of goal. “When we get our chances in the final, we need to score. When Celtic get chances, they are going to score, usually,” he remarked. The winger is optimistic about playing at Hampden Park, a venue he enjoys due to its spaciousness, which he believes suits his playing style. With the final just around the corner, Keskinen’s focus is clear: to seize the moment and help his team end a 35-year Scottish Cup drought.
