In a match that ebbed and flowed and was impossible to predict, the never-say-die attitude from the Edinburgh side saw them level a 2-0 deficit and then come back again in extra-time to force penalty kicks.
It wasn’t to be in the end with a penalty shoot-out defeat but Robbie Neilson’s side, and squad, put in a heroic effort in their bid to bring the cup back to Tynecastle.
Here’s how the team rated from a top performance by goalkeeper Craig Gordon through to the substitutes who came on and helped in an energy sapping 120 minutes and shoot-out against the reigning league and domestic cup champions.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you have seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
1. Craig Gordon - 8
Didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Angered by Edouard's penalty and made a vital save in the second half as well as generally exerting assurance for his defence ahead of him before stepping up and almost winning it in the shoot-out. Photo: Bill Murray - SNS Group / SFA
2. Michael Smith - 7
So dependable and maybe didn't realise it at the time but his charge up the park to support Naismith kept the corner kick pressure on Celtic leading to the equaliser. Great penalty against his fellow countryman Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
3. Stephen Kingsley - 8
Classy display from the left-back who scored the second and set up the third and did not look out of place against the top team in the country. Dangerous with the ball at his feet too - shoot-out shot save is only blot on former Falkirk man's copybook. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
4. Craig Halkett - 7
Strong after a shaky start and grew in strength and composure as the game went on before tiring after what was seemed at times a relentless shift. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group