Celtic FC boosted their Scottish Premiership title hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Hibernian FC on Sunday, drawing level on points with leaders Heart of Midlothian FC.
The decisive moment came from Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, whose composed finish in the second half secured all three points for the defending champions.
The result intensifies the title race, with Celtic now level on points with Hearts—who hold a superior goal difference—and four points ahead of Rangers FC. All three sides are still set to face each other in the closing stages of the season.
Hearts are due to host Rangers in a crucial clash, while Celtic and Rangers will meet next weekend before Hearts travel to Celtic Park on the final day of the campaign.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitted the pressure remains high despite the victory.
“Even if we win the three games left, it doesn’t guarantee the title. The margin for error is very small,” he said.
Hibernian’s task was made more difficult early in the match when Jamie McGrath was sent off in the 21st minute following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Alistair Johnston.
Celtic capitalised on the numerical advantage midway through the first half when Daizen Maeda finished from close range after good work by Johnston and Yang Hyun-jun. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but later awarded after VAR intervention.
Despite being a man down, Hibernian drew level in first-half stoppage time through captain Joe Newell. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR review, despite appeals for a possible handball in the build-up.
Celtic dominated possession in the second half but struggled to break through until Iheanacho’s moment of brilliance. The forward controlled a delivery from Kieran Tierney before calmly slotting home the winner with 18 minutes remaining.
The victory keeps Celtic firmly in contention in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested title race heading into the final fixtures of the season.
