After an 100 per cent record in the Premier Sports Cup group stages, hopes were high that Jim Goodwin’s new-look Dons could be competitive at Celtic Park.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s men were far too strong for their visitors from the north-east, with an early Stephen Welsh header and then a fine second-half strike from Jota meaning Aberdeen prop up the league table after the first round of fixtures.
"It has been pretty comprehensive for Celtic - they were well ahead,” former Dons defender and manager Willie Miller said on Radio Scotland. “Aberdeen need to have a little more ambition when they come down here. We have witnessed too many occasions where the performance is just trying to not let Celtic play – and, in truth, it's not worked. Celtic easily could've had another two or three.”
Mark Atkinson rates the Aberdeen players out of ten for their performance at Celtic Park ...
9. Vicente Besuijen
Tasked with being Aberdeen's creative spark, he saw little of the ball but always tried to be enterprising and direct when on it. 6 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Jonny Hayes
Passed up such a presentable chance, shooting wide from close range when 1-0 down. Okay in general play but suffered for that miss. 4 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
11. Bojan Miovski
Had one nice flick-on in first half and while starved of meaningful service, he struggled to make an impact on game. Replaced by Duk. 5 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
12. Substitutes
Luis Lopes Duk (4, above) and Callum Roberts (4) both came on just after hour-mark to try and spark their attack. Neither player made a suitable impression. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group