Celtic snatched a historic Scottish Premiership title with a stunning 3-1 win over rivals Hearts in Saturday’s final-day clash.
The Hoops went into the match knowing they had to beat the Jam Tarts to overtake them at the summit, with the visitors looking to secure their first title since 1960, and Scotland’s first non-Old Firm title winner since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985.
Lawrence Shankland headed Hearts into the lead from a corner just two minutes before half-time, but the two sides still went in level as Arne Engels converted a penalty awarded for a handball by Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis.
That result still suited Hearts, but as the second half wore on, Martin O’Neill’s side ramped up the pressure. Eventually, Derek McInnes’ men finally buckled, with Daizen Maeda proving the hero for Celtic as he so often has, poking home a cross from young Welsh forward Callum Osmand — a lengthy VAR check for offside only adding to the tension and scenes of celebration once the goal was confirmed.
Hearts continued to push for an all-important equaliser, but were caught out by one inal Osmand suckerpunch after goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow went up for a desperate free-kick attempt.
Celtic seal historic title at the death
Celtic had absolutely no right to win this title. The Bhoys had spent 232 days trailing Hearts at the top of the Premiership table, in a campaign that saw managerial turmoil and untold losing streaks.
But this is Celtic. Upsetting the rest of Scotland and overcoming the odds is just what they do.
They left it until the latest possible moment, but they struck once again through Maeda, who has so often been a source of goals, even when those around him have crumbled this season. The final blow from Osmand was purely the symptom of Hearts’ desperation to snatch the result back — sparking unsavoury scenes as Celtic fans flooded on to the pitch at the end.
Ultimately, though, all that matters is that Celtic have won another title, and this one is more historic than most, taking them to 56, and above Glasgow rivals Rangers for the first time since 1928. Only Northern Irish side Linfield (57) have won more globally.
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Heartbreak
This is the ultimate heartbreak for Hearts, no pun intended.
The Jambos were just three minutes plus stoppage time away from their first league title since 1960 and becoming the first non-Old Firm champion in Scotland in living memory for a whole generation.
For so long in this match, they executed the game plan perfectly.
Michael Steinwender was a warrior in defence, making 13 clearances, two tackles, three interceptions and five recoveries. Lawrence Shankland got the goal and battled brilliantly up front, contesting 13 duels and creating a match-high three chances. And Alexander Schwolow pulled out a couple of vital saves right when Hearts looked like crumbling.
But in the end, they just ran out of steam, and after leading the pack for 252 days, they must face the harsh reality of walking away with their 15th second-place finish in league history — reminiscent of 1985/86, when Celtic pipped them to the title on goal difference.
Hearts have brought more eyes to Scottish football than in a long while with their brave title push, while McInnes’ reputation as a manager has increased tenfold. But that will serve as absolutely no consolation tonight, once the dust settles on this most agonising of near misses.