Celtic
Heart of Midlothian
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1.85
Expected Goals (xG)
0.96
-0.75
Prevented goals
-0.75
Passing by
382 (82%)
Accurate passes
134 (57%)
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Premiership Standings – Premiership, Round Championship
Qualification/Relegation
- Champions League qualification
- Conference League Standings
Celtic defeated Heart Of Midlothian 3-1 at Celtic Park to keep their title hopes alive, with Callum Osmand’s late strike sealing victory in a fierce Premiership clash.
The Hoops dominated possession but faced an early scare when Lawrence Shankland fired Hearts ahead in the 43rd minute. Celtic responded immediately, with Arne Engels converting a penalty just before the break to level the game. Daizen Maeda and Osmand added goals in the second half to secure three crucial points.
Both teams entered the match in contrasting positions at the top of the table. Hearts took first place with 81 points from 38 games, while Celtic came second with 80 points. The visitors arrived in Edinburgh looking to hold on to their lead, but the hosts came out fighting for the title race.
Celtic controlled the opening exchanges at Celtic Park. The home team pressed high and moved the ball with purpose up the pitch. Hearts, however, remained compact and dangerous on the counter-attack. The visitors’ defensive form thwarted Celtic’s early attempts to break.
Shankland punished Celtic’s lack of defending in the 43rd minute. The Hearts striker found space in the box and fired low past the keeper. It was an impressive blow for the home side, who had dominated the first half without finding the back of the net.
Celtic showed their character before the break. Engels stepped up to convert a penalty in the 45th minute, just three minutes into added time. The spot-kick tied the game and shifted the momentum to the hosts heading into halftime.
In the second half, Celtic upped the ante. Engels and Maeda combined to create chances as Hearts struggled to maintain their early intensity. Celtic’s possession advantage grew as the game wore on.
Maeda broke the deadlock in the 88th minute with a clinical finish. The striker latched on to a loose ball and fired past the Hearts keeper to put Celtic 2-1 ahead. The goal was decisive in the final phase.
Osmand sealed the win in stoppage time with a third goal for Celtic. The substitute showed composure to finish when it mattered most. Hearts could not recover from the blow as the final whistle approached.
Celtic dominated the stats, recording 67% possession compared to Hearts’ 33%. The hosts managed 14 shots with 5 on target, while Hearts had 12 shots with just 2 on target. Celtic’s expected goals figure of 1.85 reflected their control, although Hearts created more than their xG of 0.96 suggested.
Engels and Maeda impressed for Celtic, scoring 7.7 and 7.6 respectively. Osmand made an immediate impact off the bench with an 8.6 rating. Shankland worked hard for Hearts throughout, despite his side’s defeat.
The result keeps Celtic’s title challenge alive with just two points separating the teams. Hearts hold on to top spot but face increasing pressure as the season winds down. Celtic’s ability to respond after falling behind proved crucial in this high-stakes game.
