Aberdeen earned a sensational first Scottish Cup victory in 35 years as Dimitar Mitov's penalty shootout saves from Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston ensured they came from behind at Hampden to deny Celtic a treble.

Alfie Dorrington's own goal just before half-time had Brendan Rodgers' holders and favourites ahead and apparently in control.

But a resolute Aberdeen hung in and were rewarded after 83 minutes when substitute Shayden Morris' teasing cross was inexplicably diverted into his own net by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

That moment opened the door for a scarcely unimaginable outcome and Aberdeen would seize upon their big moment at the end of a rollercoaster season.

After Celtic captain McGregor had his opening penalty saved by Mitov, Aberdeen scored four fine spot-kicks before their goalkeeper plunged low to push away Johnston's effort and ensure his place in Pittodrie legend.

It also confirms Aberdeen will have European League football throughout the autumn and gives manager Jimmy Thelin silverware in his first season in charge.

An autumn that featured an unlikely title tilt had lurched into a bleak winter, before a final-day defeat left Aberdeen fifth in the Scottish Premiership.

They headed into this showpiece occasion on the back of four consecutive defeats and had lost their last four meetings with Celtic 5-1, 5-1, 1-0 and 6-0.

With that in mind, Thelin set up with a back three, intent on denying Celtic space and opportunity to inflict such damage. The plan worked.

Celtic may have had the majority of the ball and territorial advantage, but they struggled to create clear chances, with Greg Taylor closest with a shot over the bar. For all their defensive solidity, Aberdeen threatened even less.

The Scottish champions usually find a way, though, and enjoyed some good fortune from a set-piece. Arne Engels' corner evaded Cameron Carter-Vickers but flicked off Dorrington, and clipped the inside of the post before nestling in the net.

It was cruel, as Celtic had the lead still without a direct effort on target, but it felt inevitable given the constant direction of travel.

The question was whether Aberdeen would open up with nothing to lose. They tried, but to little effect other than fleeting moments.

What proved was crucial was that they stood firm and didn't concede further. Engels came closest with a low shot that crashed off a post.

But the second goal didn't arrive and Aberdeen capitalised, again with a stroke of fortune. Morris scampered into space on the right and flashed over a dangerous ball that Schmeichel should have dealt with.

But the veteran Dane allowed the ball to slip under him and into the net.

In injury time, it was bedlam. Daizen Maeda raced clear and looked odds-on to seal his own incredible season with a dramatic winner, but Mitov stayed big to divert.

Then Celtic substitute Jeffrey Schlupp smashed the ball against the crossbar as the game swung back and forth like a basketball match in its final seconds.

But the greatest drama was to come, and when McGregor missed the opening spot-kick, Aberdeen would not look back as they went on to earn one of the most famous wins in their history.

The Aberdeen support travelled in hope rather than anticipation. Hope of a glorious win. If not, then hope of respectability.

They more than earned the latter and then this incredible win. This is seismic for the Pittodrie club. No-one gave them a hope.

To take this all the way to penalties seemed fanciful. They stood up to their critics on the biggest stage and delivered.

A Scottish Cup win, all of a sudden, seemed within their grasp after they levelled and what a fight they put up after being roundly written off.

On the morning of the match, the club's most successful ever manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, delivered a message to the squad, to try and raise the Aberdeen of old who came to Glasgow and conquered.

Thelin's side initially focussed on trying not to concede. Stay in the game and frustrate and see what happens from there.

What happened will live long in those Aberdeen supporters' memories.

This was a Celtic canter in the making, according to almost everyone.

Recent walkovers against this Aberdeen side suggested no other outcome than another trophy and another treble for Celtic.

The script was firmly ripped up and thrown in the bin.

It was anyone's trophy in the end as the game swung back and forth after Aberdeen's equaliser, even if Celtic still were more on the front-foot.

In truth, the Scottish champions didn't do enough and met an Aberdeen side who gave everything to get this famous win over the line.

Captain McGregor's incredible run of cup final wins is over. Rodgers remains tied with Jock Stein on two trebles when it seemed inevitable he'd be out on his own.

Having publicly declared his intent to remain at Celtic next season, he will surely demand backing to keep winning domestically and build on progress in Europe.

Defeat here is undoubtedly a blow. One that will irk over the summer. A reminder that in cup finals, it's never as straightforward or easy as everyone might think.