Celtic Stun Hearts In Late Drama To Win Scottish Premiership Title

Celtic dramatically claimed the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday, scoring twice in the closing stages to defeat Hearts 3-1 and secure a 14th championship in 15 years.

The result denied Hearts what would have been a historic first league triumph in 66 years, as they led the table heading into a decisive final-day showdown.

Needing victory to overtake the Jambos, Celtic overturned a first-half deficit to extend the long-standing dominance shared between themselves and Rangers in Scottish football, now stretching to 41 years.

Hearts struck first in the 43rd minute when Lawrence Shankland rose to head in Stephen Kingsley’s corner, briefly putting Derek McInnes’ side on course for the title.

However, Celtic responded deep into first-half stoppage time when Arne Engels converted from the penalty spot after Alexandros Kyziridis handled Kieran Tierney’s cross inside the box, sending the teams level into the break.

READ ALSO: Iheanacho Late Strike Seals Dramatic 3-2 Win For Celtic Against Motherwell

The second half remained tightly contested and tense, with Hearts holding firm under sustained pressure until the closing minutes.

Celtic’s breakthrough eventually arrived three minutes from time when Daizen Maeda bundled the ball in, though celebrations were momentarily cut short by an offside flag. A VAR review overturned the decision, confirming the goal.

Hearts’ hopes were finally extinguished in stoppage time when Callum Osmand pounced on a late breakaway, walking the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Earlier, Celtic had introduced Kelechi Iheanacho, who added urgency to their attack, striking the post as well as forcing a strong save from Schwolow as pressure mounted.

The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for Celtic, while Hearts were left devastated after coming within minutes of ending decades of title frustration, echoing painful memories of past final-day collapses in 1965 and 1986.

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