Scottish Premiership: Hibernian Defeat Celtic As Rangers Rescue A Point Against Livingston

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Hearts strengthened control of the Scottish Premiership after a dramatic Sunday, as both main challengers slipped. Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Hibernian, while Rangers needed a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at Livingston. Those stumbles keep Hearts four points clear of Rangers, with Celtic now sitting third in the table.

The dropped points also frame a tense build-up to the next Old Firm derby. Celtic’s defeat was the club’s first league loss since January, when Rangers won the Glasgow clash. Now both rivals enter their next meeting under pressure, knowing Hearts have capitalised on every mistake in the title race.

Rangers’ trip to bottom side Livingston proved far tougher than expected. Danny Rohl’s team trailed 2-0 after goals from Brooklyn Kabongolo and Lewis Smith for the hosts. Livingston then had Cristian Montano dismissed on 60 minutes. The red card changed the momentum, but Rangers still needed a late surge to avoid defeat.

Emmanuel Fernandez pulled one back to give Rangers hope, and pressure finally told near the end. Mikey Moore, who earlier believed a penalty might be awarded in stoppage time, struck an 88th-minute equaliser. Even so, the draw leaves Rangers knowing this was a missed opportunity to close the gap on Hearts.

The numbers highlighted how much Rangers dominated the match. Livingston managed only five attempts, with three on target, and produced 0.3 expected goals. Rangers fired 31 shots, 14 on target, and posted 3.63 expected goals. Yet the scoreline stayed level, underlining that conversion mattered more than volume for Rohl’s side.

This result also carried a statistical note for Rangers. It was the first time since February 2021 that Rangers failed to beat the side starting the day bottom of the Scottish Premiership. On that occasion, Rangers drew 1-1 away to Hamilton Academical, and the Livingston match delivered a similar frustration.

Earlier in Glasgow, Celtic’s setback against Hibernian reshaped the Scottish Premiership picture. Martin O’Neill’s side, beaten by Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday, fell behind midway through the first half. Felix Passlack struck at Celtic Park, punishing uncertain defending and putting the visitors in front.

Celtic responded just before the interval. Benjamin Nygren levelled on the stroke of half-time, which seemed to shift momentum towards the hosts. However, Celtic faded in the second period. Their situation worsened when Auston Trusty received a straight red card after 74 minutes, leaving Hibernian with an extra player for the closing stages.

Hibernian made that advantage count late on. Ante Suto kept calm in the Celtic area and laid the ball back for Kai Andrews. Andrews converted in the 87th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and securing Hibernian’s first success at Celtic since January 2010. The defeat pushed Celtic down to third, behind Rangers and leaders Hearts.

With Rangers four points behind Hearts and Celtic trailing both main rivals, the Scottish Premiership narrative has shifted. Hearts take clear benefit from a round where challengers drew and lost. The upcoming Old Firm derby now carries added importance, as neither Rangers nor Celtic can afford further slips in the title contest.