Celtic triumphed over Rangers in the Old Firm derby with a 3-1 victory, cutting the gap to Premiership leaders Hearts to just one point.
Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring Celtic’s third goal in spectacular fashion
A brace from Daizen Maeda kept Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title hopes alive as they defeated Rangers 3-1, narrowing the deficit to Hearts to a single point with two matches remaining. The title could be decided when Hearts visit Celtic Park on the final day of the season, this Saturday.
Maeda’s resurgence has fueled Celtic’s late-season push for a 14th league title in 15 years. The Japan international was decisive, including a stunning bicycle kick goal.
Three consecutive defeats have ended Rangers’ title ambitions and confirmed that Danny Rohl’s side will finish third.
Rangers started perfectly when on-loan Tottenham player Mikey Moore capitalized on weak Celtic defending to score in the ninth minute.
Martin O’Neill’s side responded quickly, leveling through Yang Hyun-jun after a low cross from Arne Engels.
Maeda emerged as the hero, scoring two goals in three minutes just before the hour mark, securing Celtic’s first league win over Rangers since September 2024.
The Japanese striker first headed in a cross from Kieran Tierney, then produced a spectacular lobbed bicycle kick that nestled into the top corner, sending the 60,000-strong home crowd into raptures.
Hearts have led the table for most of the season, aiming to become the first non-Old Firm team to win the Scottish title in 41 years.
The Jambos could clinch the championship on Wednesday if they beat Falkirk and Celtic lose away to Motherwell. Any other result would mean the title is decided when Hearts visit Glasgow’s east end in six days.
Match ratings from Celtic vs Rangers
