Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title ambitions took a significant hit after a dramatic and frustrating home defeat to Hibernian, who claimed a historic late victory at Parkhead thanks to a decisive strike from Kai Andrews. The result not only shocked the home crowd but also added another unpredictable twist to what has already been one of the most chaotic and competitive league campaigns in recent memory.
The defeat was particularly damaging for Celtic, who were reduced to ten men during the second half and ultimately failed to hold off a determined Hibernian side. It marked Hibs’ first win at Parkhead since 2010, making the outcome even more significant in the context of the title race and the wider Premiership narrative.
Coming into the match, Celtic were already reeling from a heavy 4-1 Europa League loss to VfB Stuttgart just days earlier at the same venue. That defeat had dented morale, and the pressure was on manager Martin O’Neill’s side to respond with a strong domestic performance. Instead, the team endured another setback, as the visitors capitalised on key moments and took advantage of Celtic’s indiscipline late in the game.
The early exchanges suggested that Celtic were determined to bounce back. They dominated possession and pushed forward with intent, but their defensive vulnerability surfaced once again. For the fourth time in five matches, they conceded the opening goal, a worrying trend that has plagued their recent performances. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Felix Passlack rose highest to head home his first goal for Hibernian, connecting perfectly with a curling delivery from Nicky Cadden that caught the Celtic defence off guard.
Despite the setback, Celtic gradually regained control of the match, especially during the closing stages of the first half. Their attacking pressure intensified as they sought an equaliser, and their persistence eventually paid off. Benjamin Nygren found himself in the right place inside the box and nodded in from close range, bringing the hosts level and reigniting belief among the supporters inside the stadium.
As the rain poured down in Glasgow, the atmosphere inside Parkhead grew increasingly tense. News filtering in from elsewhere in the league, including surprising scorelines involving title rivals, added another layer of urgency for Celtic fans, who attempted to rally their team in what felt like a pivotal afternoon in the title race.
However, the turning point of the match arrived in controversial fashion. Defender Auston Trusty was shown a red card following a VAR review after an off-the-ball incident involving Jamie McGrath. The referee judged that Trusty had used excessive force with his arm in a moment of frustration, leaving Celtic with ten players and shifting the momentum firmly in favour of Hibernian.
Down to a numerical disadvantage, Celtic struggled to maintain their earlier intensity. While they continued to push forward and registered a high number of attempts on goal, their finishing lacked precision. Out of 21 shots, only three were on target, highlighting their inefficiency in front of goal despite dominating large spells of possession.
Hibernian, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline. Although they had been somewhat wasteful in the first half, particularly through Martin Boyle’s decision-making in key attacking moments, they remained composed and alert to opportunities. As the match entered its closing stages, the visitors began to exploit the extra space created by Celtic’s reduced lineup.
The decisive moment arrived late in the game when Ante Suto produced a clever assist that set up Kai Andrews. Showing composure under pressure, Andrews buried a sensational winner that stunned the home crowd and secured a landmark victory for Hibernian. The goal not only sealed three vital points but also significantly influenced the dynamics of the title race.
From a broader perspective, the result leaves Celtic in a difficult position in the league standings. They remain third, still with a game in hand, but now sit six points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and two points adrift of Rangers. With an Old Firm derby looming, the pressure on O’Neill’s side has intensified considerably, as any further slip-ups could prove decisive in the title battle.
One of the key narratives emerging from this defeat is Celtic’s recurring habit of conceding first and relying on late recoveries. In previous matches against Dundee, Livingston, and Kilmarnock, they managed to rescue results with late goals. However, their luck appeared to run out on this occasion, as Hibernian capitalised on their advantage and showed the composure required to close out a high-stakes encounter.
Individually, Nygren continued his impressive form by scoring his 18th goal of the season, underlining his importance to Celtic’s attacking setup. He had earlier missed a chance in the first half, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, making his first start for the club, also squandered an opportunity by firing over the bar. These missed chances ultimately proved costly in a tightly contested match.
From Hibernian’s perspective, the victory was not merely about denting Celtic’s title hopes but also about showcasing their own credentials, particularly in the race for European qualification. Their disciplined defensive shape, combined with clinical finishing at a crucial moment, demonstrated a team capable of competing with the league’s top sides.
After the match, Martin O’Neill described the result as a setback rather than a decisive blow, insisting that his team remains firmly in the title race despite the loss. He praised his players’ effort and commitment, emphasizing that they had given everything on the pitch even after being reduced to ten men. Meanwhile, Hibernian head coach David Gray highlighted the significance of the win, noting that it had been a long time coming and reflected the team’s ability to perform at a high level against elite opposition.
Looking ahead, Celtic face a challenging schedule that could define their season. They must travel to Germany for the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off against Stuttgart, before preparing for a crucial derby clash against Rangers at Ibrox. These fixtures will test both their resilience and squad depth as they attempt to stay competitive on multiple fronts.
For Hibernian, the victory serves as a massive confidence boost ahead of their upcoming league trip to Dundee. More importantly, it reinforces their ambition to secure a strong league finish and potentially qualify for European competition, a goal that now appears increasingly realistic given their recent performances.
Ultimately, this dramatic encounter highlighted the fine margins that define a title race. Celtic’s inability to convert dominance into victory, combined with the costly red card, proved decisive. In contrast, Hibernian’s composure, tactical awareness, and clinical finishing at the crucial moment ensured they walked away with a famous win that could have lasting implications for the Premiership standings.
For more latest football news and match analysis, visit: https://netsports247.com
