Celtic secured a vital three points at Easter Road, thanks to a late strike from super‑sub Kelechi Iheanacho, and in doing so moved level on points with league leaders Hearts. The match, which saw Hibernian reduced to ten men early in the second half, unfolded as a tense, back‑and‑forth affair that ultimately hinged on the impact of the Nigerian forward. The game began cautiously, with both sides testing each other’s defenses.
It was not long before the first decisive moment arrived: in the 21st minute, Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath was shown a red card after a reckless challenge on Celtic winger Alistair Johnston. The referee initially issued a yellow, but a VAR review upgraded the sanction to a dismissal, marking Hibernian's fourth red card in as many games.
Celtic, now enjoying a numerical advantage, pressed forward but struggled to create clear-cut chances, allowing the visitors to stay within reach. Hibernian broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Japanese forward Daizen Maeda found space inside the box and tapped the ball home from close range. The goal was initially flagged for off‑side, but the officials consulted VAR and ruled the scorer onside, restoring the lead to the home side.
The goal gave Hibs a temporary morale boost, especially as they were playing with ten men after McGrath's dismissal. The first half continued with both teams exchanging blows.
Celtic’s pressure resulted in a second Hibs goal just before the break when Joe Newell struck from the edge of the area after a defensive lapse by the visitors. The ball appeared to brush Newell's arm on the way to the net, prompting a lengthy VAR check. The replay showed only a slight contact, and the referee allowed the goal to stand, much to the surprise of the Celtic bench. The scoreline at halftime read 2‑0 in favour of Hibernian, a surprising lead given Celtic’s superiority in possession and the numerical advantage.
In the dressing room, Martin O'Neill urged his players to stay focused, reminding them that the match was far from over and that a single goal could change the complexion of the game. The second half began with Celtic applying sustained pressure, dominating possession and forcing Hibs into a defensive shape.
Despite the on‑field dominance, the visitors held firm, relying on disciplined defending and occasional counter‑attacks. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute. Iheanacho, who had been introduced just 151 seconds earlier, received a pass on the left flank, cut inside, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Smith.
The goal not only cut the deficit to one but also shifted the momentum decisively in Celtic’s favour. The Nigerian striker celebrated exuberantly, acknowledging the importance of his contribution for the club’s title push. Following the goal, Celtic intensified their attacks, creating several half‑chances that tested the Hibs keeper. The home side, now under pressure, struggled to retain possession and eventually saw their hopes of a comeback dwindle.
The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory for Celtic, securing three points that propelled them level with Hearts on 73 points, with just a single game separating the top three clubs. Post‑match, Iheanacho spoke to Sky Sports, expressing his satisfaction: "I'm really pleased. I’m happy to make an impact for my teammates and the club.
Whether I start or come off the bench, I try to stay ready and finish well. Those three points are crucial for us moving forward." O'Neill reflected on the performance, noting the early bright start, the disappointment of conceding two goals, and the need for sharper finishing: "We started well and created good chances, but we gave away a goal before half‑time.
The game was nervous at the end, but overall our first‑half chances were decent. Hibs fought hard until the end, and we didn’t create enough clear chances to secure the win earlier." Hibs manager David Gray accepted responsibility for his side’s discipline, particularly the red card: "It’s a definite red card, not a matter of intent. It cost us the game.
The players gave everything, defended bravely, but we couldn’t convert the chances we had. We now have to rely on other results and focus on our next match against Falkirk, where we need to improve our performance." The result has significant implications for the Scottish Premiership title race. Celtic’s victory means they are now tied with Hearts, while Rangers sit a point behind them. The upcoming Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers promises to be a decisive fixture, with the three clubs potentially separated by just a single point heading into the final weekend of the season.
Fans can look forward to a high‑stakes showdown that could determine the champion. Beyond the immediate drama, the match highlighted several broader themes in Scottish football: the increasing reliance on VAR for critical decisions, the impact of red cards on game dynamics, and the importance of squad depth. Celtic’s ability to bring on a fresh attacker and change the outcome underscores the value of having quality players on the bench. Meanwhile, Hibernian’s disciplinary issues raise questions about player management and the fine line between aggressive defending and costly fouls.
Overall, the Easter Road encounter was a microcosm of the season’s intensity—a blend of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the ever‑present pressure of a title race that remains wide open. Celtic’s resilience and Iheanacho’s decisive strike will be remembered as the key moments that kept their championship hopes alive as the campaign enters its final, decisive phase.