Celtic Snatch The Scottish Title In A Dramatic Final-Day Comeback, Crushing Hearts’ 66-Year Dream
Celtic have been crowned Scottish Premiership champions after beating Hearts 3-1 in a dramatic final-day title decider. Martin O’Neill’s side knew only a victory would do if they were to leapfrog Hearts, who had been top for 250 days, and they got just that thanks to two late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand to get them over the line.
Amid a season of chaos, fan protests and managerial departures, the Parkhead club showed why they have been Scotland’s dominant force over the past decade — with this being their 14th top-flight crown in 15 seasons. Celtic have now won a record 56 top-flight titles, surpassing Rangers.
The Drama Unfolds
Hearts took the lead with Lawrence Shankland heading home at the far post, before being answered back by Arne Engels, who converted from 12 yards. A Kieran Tierney cross was stopped by the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis and referee Don Robertson pointed to the penalty spot.
Celtic dominated possession and piled on the pressure after the break. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post and Schwolow pulled off brilliant saves to deny Benjamin Nygren and Maeda.
Then in the 87th minute, Celtic found their breakthrough. Maeda forced in Osmand’s low cross, only for the offside flag to go up. However, VAR intervened to overturn the decision, with replays clearly showing Osmand was onside before receiving the ball to tee up Maeda. Osmand then slotted into an empty net after the German goalkeeper went forward for a last-gasp free kick.
Hearts’ Heartbreak
Hearts, who were on course to win their first league title since 1960, will be licking their wounds — with a painful repeat of 1965, when they also lost on the final day to Kilmarnock. The Jambos were just 11 minutes away from winning the title.
The Manager’s Miracle
The 74-year-old O’Neill returned to guide the club through choppy waters, having taken over with Celtic six points off the summit — but ending the campaign two points clear of the Jambos. With one trophy in the bag, O’Neill is just 90 minutes away from guiding Celtic to a domestic double with the Scottish Cup final on May 23 against former captain Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.
Key Men
Daizen Maeda perhaps didn’t hit the heights of last season, but he delivered when it mattered most on the final day — his winner was his seventh league goal in the final month of the campaign alone. Benjamin Nygren also racked up 16 goals and five assists in the Premiership, while returning Kieran Tierney contributed 14 goal contributions, making him a key figure both in defence and going forward.
Celtic’s relentless character once again proved too much — and for Hearts, the 66-year wait for league glory goes on.