Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reacts to Rangers losing to Aberdeen

It was not classic Celtic but it was enough. The Hoops got a 2-0 win against Dundee FC, thanks to goals from Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, to remain atop the Scottish Premiership table. Aberdeen continue to show that they are not to be taken lightly in this title race either. After coming from two goals down to draw at Parkhead, they scripted a 2-1 win over the Rangers at the Pittodrie Stadium.

The result could have major implications for the Rangers. One has to wonder whether this is the end for Philippe Clement at Ibrox, merely months after the club backed him with a long-term contract extension.

As for Celtic, it looks like their main title challengers this season are Aberdeen. Both teams sit nine points clear of the Rangers as we head into November.

Brendan Rodgers' side will have a tough task this weekend when they take on Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park. The Celtic boss acknowledged the brilliant form of his opponents but also recognised that there is a long way to go. As reported by the Daily Record, the Northern Irishman said:

"Listen, Aberdeen have had a fantastic start. That's a really good result for them.

“But as I'm sure you can respect, my focus is very much on Celtic. Our guys have made a brilliant start also, in terms of how they've been playing, the goals they've been scoring, secure defensively in the main and in a really good position in the Champions League. But it's still so early. My first marker is after 10 games. And if I look at it after 10 games, then we've made a really good start. Aberdeen are there as well, but there's still such a long way to go.

“Semi-finals are always great occasions. I love going to Hampden and we're in a really good place going there. We've got players coming back and hopefully it'll be a really exciting game."

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reacts to Rangers losing to Aberdeen

Not many would have taken Aberdeen seriously as title contenders even a few weeks back. And while it still feels improbable, one cannot overlook their results against Celtic and the Rangers.

Miracles can happen in football. Just think back to Leicester City's Premier League-winning campaign almost a decade ago. Celtic fans cannot rule out the prospect of this Aberdeen team going on a logic-defying run as well. In fact, one could argue they are already in the middle of one.

A lot will become clearer about Aberdeen's title credentials this weekend. In many ways, it is a must win for Celtic, not just to remain in the Scottish League Cup but also to stop the Dons' momentum.