Celtic were about to lose the league gold. Then they turned everything upside down – in overtime. With two huge goals at the end, the Bhoys secured their fifth straight Scottish Premiership title in a game that had it all.
To secure the gold, Celtic needed all three points. Nothing less would suffice. And opponent? Hearts – a team with zero respect for dramaturgy.
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Hearts shock just before halftime
The hosts started the best. Already after three minutes, Auston Trusty headed just outside from close range. Celtic had the ball most of the time, but Hearts were dangerous on the counter-attack.
Lawrence Shankland was everywhere. First, he just headed wide after a perfect cross from Harry Milne. Then he set up Pierre Landry Kabore – twice – both shots narrowly off target.
At the other end, Celtic struggled to create chances. Sebastian Tounekti forced a routine save from Alexander Schwolow, but that was all.
Then, in the 43rd minute: Stephen Kingsley hit an inviting corner kick into the box. Shankland soared. Heading. Goals. 1-0 to the visitors.
Celtic were in shock.
Penalty just before the break
But champions are rising. Deep in first-half injury time, Yang Hyun-Jun won a free kick on the right side. Then – a hand from Alexandros Kyziridis inside the box.
The referee pointed to the penalty mark.
Arne Engels took the ball, breathed calmly – and put it ice-cold into the goal. 1-1 at half-time. Celtic were back in the game.
Pressure, pole and drama
The second half was a long masterful siege. Daizen Maeda headed over from close range. Benjamin Nygren and Engels both missed big chances. Celtic pushed for all they were worth.
Hearts were still dangerous at times. Alan Forrest forced Viljami Sinisalo into a sharp save, and Claudio Braga caused unrest.
At the other end, Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post from distance. Nygren was stopped by Schwolow. The title was hanging by a thread.
87th minute: Jubilation – and VAR check
Then, finally, in the 87th minute: Substitute Callum Osmand stormed into the box, made way for Maeda – and from close range he knocked the ball into the goal.
But then came the VAR check. Possible offside. The entire Celtic crowd held their breath.
The goal stood. 2–1. Celtic lead for the first time in the game.
98th minute: The party is on
Hearts tried everything in eight minutes of added time. Michael Steinwender headed wide from a corner. It was not enough.
In the 98th minute, Callum McGregor took the ball, sped through midfield – and played it out to Osmand. Open goal. 3–1.
The game was over. The series was won.
Five straight for Bhoys
Celtic could finally unleash their jubilation. The 3-1 win gave them their fifth straight Scottish league title – a feat that only the biggest teams can achieve.
For Hearts: glory in defeat. For Celtic: another gold, once again.
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