Celtic Comeback Beats Rangers 3-1 To Narrow Hearts Title Gap

Celtic came from behind to beat Rangers 3-1 at Celtic Park, with Daizen Maeda scoring twice to overturn an early deficit. The result moves Martin O'Neill's team to within one point of Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race, with two fixtures remaining for both contenders.

The pressure now shifts to Wednesday, when Hearts visit Falkirk and Celtic travel to Motherwell. Hearts will secure the Scottish Premiership title if Hearts beat Falkirk and Celtic lose to Motherwell. Any other combination of results will keep the contest alive for the final round.

Should the title remain undecided, Celtic vs Rangers interest will switch to Celtic's clash with Hearts on the last day. Celtic will host Hearts in that match, and it could function as a direct shootout for the championship. Hearts' 1-1 draw with Motherwell on Saturday opened the door for Celtic's late charge.

Mikey Moore had earlier placed Rangers in front during the derby, finishing calmly in the ninth minute. That strike was Rangers' major attacking highlight, as Danny Rohl's side struggled to create further clear chances. Bojan Miovski struck the crossbar in stoppage time, but Rangers rarely looked capable of mounting their own comeback.

Celtic vs Rangers momentum swung on 23 minutes, when Yang Hyun-jun swept in a composed equaliser after a crisp passing move. Celtic built pressure either side of half-time, pushing Rangers back for long spells. Early in the second half, Kieran Tierney drove a low cross into the area, and Maeda steered the delivery past the goalkeeper.

Maeda then produced the decisive Celtic vs Rangers moment four minutes later, meeting a looping ball with an acrobatic overhead kick that flew into the top-right corner. The goal completed the turnaround and energised the home support further, ensuring Celtic controlled the closing stages and protected the two-goal cushion without major scares.

Maeda has now scored in three consecutive league games, the first such run since March 2025. The forward also continues a strong personal record against Rangers at Celtic Park, with three goals in the last four league derbies at the venue. Maeda's influence under O'Neill has increased as the campaign reaches its decisive phase.

From a statistical view, Rangers' current difficulties stand out in Celtic vs Rangers context and beyond. Rohl's team have lost three straight league fixtures, something Rangers last experienced in January 2000. That sequence confirms Rangers will finish third, ending any late hopes of climbing higher in the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic vs Rangers form is now sharply contrasting, as Celtic have stitched together five league victories in a row. It is Celtic's best streak since O'Neill's earlier spell this season, between October and December. This triumph is also Celtic's first league win over Rangers after six derbies without success, giving Celtic momentum before the final two decisive dates.