Celtic edge past 10-man Hibernian to move level at Scottish Premiership summit
Celtic battled through a difficult afternoon at Easter Road to defeat Hibernian and move level on points with Heart of Midlothian at the top of the Scottish Premiership, keeping the title race finely balanced heading into the final stretch of the season.
Despite playing against 10 men for a long spell, Celtic were made to work far harder than expected before eventually securing a 2-1 victory that keeps them firmly in the championship hunt on goal difference.
Early red card shifts momentum
The turning point came in the 21st minute when Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath was sent off for a reckless, high challenge on Alistair Johnston. The foul left the referee with little choice, and after a VAR review the red card was confirmed, reducing the home side to 10 men early in the contest.
At that stage, Celtic looked poised to take full control. They had already started brightly, pushing Hibs deep into their own half and creating early chances. Daizen Maeda, in particular, was lively and dangerous, missing one clear opportunity before eventually breaking the deadlock.
Maeda gives Celtic the lead
Celtic capitalised on their numerical advantage when Johnston delivered a low cross into the box, which Maeda finished clinically from close range. The strike marked his fourth goal in three matches and appeared to set Celtic on course for a routine win.
The goal initially faced scrutiny for a possible offside, but VAR intervention confirmed it was legal, allowing the visitors to take a deserved lead after sustained pressure.
Hibs respond despite controversy
Despite being a man down and largely under pressure, Hibernian managed to find a way back into the match in controversial circumstances just before half-time.
A weak clearance from Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo fell to Joe Newell, who managed to poke the ball into the net from close range. The goal was heavily disputed, with Celtic players appealing for handball, suggesting Newell may have controlled the ball with his arm in the build-up.
However, after a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand, bringing Hibs level in a moment that shifted the tone of the match.
Celtic struggle to break through
In the second half, Celtic continued to dominate possession but found it increasingly difficult to break down a determined and compact Hibs defence. Despite their numerical advantage, clear-cut chances were limited as the home side defended with discipline and resilience.
Hibs, despite their fatigue, occasionally threatened on the counterattack and even had a late opportunity to equalise again when substitute Ante Suto fired narrowly wide in the closing minutes.
Iheanacho delivers decisive moment
The breakthrough for Celtic eventually came from the bench. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho made the difference once again, continuing his strong recent form.
From a corner, Iheanacho controlled the ball calmly on his chest before finishing from close range to restore Celtic’s lead. The goal proved decisive and highlighted his growing importance as a “super-sub” for the champions.
His strike ultimately secured all three points in a match that had become far more complicated than Celtic would have hoped after the early red card.
Title race tightens at the top
The victory means Celtic remain level on points with Hearts at the top of the table, although goal difference currently separates the two sides. Rangers sit just four points behind in third, ensuring a three-way battle for the title remains alive heading into the final fixtures.
Hearts are due to face Rangers next, a match that could have major implications for the destination of the trophy.
Hibernian’s struggles continue
For Hibernian, the defeat extends a difficult run of form. They have now lost nine of their last 13 league matches in which they conceded first, highlighting their struggles when chasing games.
Since their surprise win over Celtic earlier in the season, Hibs have managed just one victory in seven matches, with recent performances raising concerns about consistency and defensive discipline.
Their disciplinary record has also become an issue, with McGrath’s red card marking another setback in a growing list of costly dismissals.
Manager reactions
Hibs head coach David Gray admitted the pattern of red cards is becoming a serious problem for his side.
He described the sending-off as “clear” and lamented how difficult it is to compete against Celtic with a numerical disadvantage. Gray emphasised that his team did manage to stay in the contest but failed to take key chances when they came.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, meanwhile, acknowledged that his side should have controlled the match more comfortably after the red card but was frustrated by the timing of Hibs’ equaliser.
He noted that conceding just before half-time gave Hibs renewed belief and made the second half far more difficult than expected.
Iheanacho continues strong form
Once again, Kelechi Iheanacho proved decisive, continuing a productive spell in front of goal. His ability to impact games from the bench has become a key asset for Celtic, with several important goals coming in recent weeks.
What comes next
Hibernian now travel to face Falkirk on 9 May in a crucial fixture for their European qualification hopes. Celtic, meanwhile, prepare for a massive Old Firm clash against Rangers, a match that could play a defining role in the title race.
