Celtic secured a gritty 2-1 victory over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road, keeping their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive with three games remaining. Despite leading early and enjoying a numerical advantage, Martin O’Neill’s side faced a tense battle before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho delivered the decisive blow.
Early Dominance and Red Card Drama
Celtic started strongly, pressuring Hibs from the outset. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring just shy of the 20-minute mark after slick interplay involving Yang Hyun-Jun, Benjamin Nygren, and Alastair Johnston. The Japanese striker finished clinically from close range.
Hibs’ task grew tougher moments earlier when Jamie McGrath lunged recklessly at Johnston on the touchline. Referee David Dickinson initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to red following a pitchside review.
Controversial Equalizer
Trailing and a man down, Hibs fought back dramatically on the stroke of halftime. Joe Newell poked home from a Nicky Cadden set-piece after Celtic struggled to clear. The goal stood despite suspicions of handball, with officials citing insufficient evidence to overturn it.
Iheanacho’s Late Heroics
The second half remained tight, with Nygren denied a penalty shout early on. Maeda spurned further chances, including a clear opportunity with 20 minutes left. Iheanacho, introduced from the bench, chested down a cross and slotted low past Jordan Smith 90 seconds later, sparking relief among away fans.
Hibs pushed late, with substitutes Dane Scarlett and Ante Suto nearly equalizing in stoppage time, but Celtic held firm.
Title Race Implications
This win leaves Celtic joint-top of the table heading into crucial home fixtures against Rangers and Hearts. Iheanacho’s clutch form—following goals against Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Red Star Belgrade, and Dundee—positions him as a key figure in the run-in. Despite inconsistent performances this season, Celtic grind out results to defend their crown.
Player Ratings
Hibernian (3-5-2): Smith 6; O’Hora 6, Bushiri 6.5, Iredale 6 (Suto 81); Cadden 3 (Obita 46), Chaiwa, Newell 6 (Barlaser 73), McGrath 1, Megwa; Boyle 3 (Campbell 46), Elding 5 (Scarlett 81). Booked: Obita, Campbell, Suto. Sent off: McGrath. Manager: David Gray 6.
Celtic (4-3-3): Sinisalo 4; Johnston 6.5 (Forrest 63), Trusty 6, Scales 6, Tierney 6; McGregor 7, Engels 5, Nygren 6 (Ralston 77); Yang 6.5 (Iheanacho 70), Tounekti 5.5 (McCowan 64), Maeda 6.5. Booked: Scales, Engels, McCowan. Manager: Martin O’Neill 6. Referee: David Dickinson.
