Celtic came from behind to beat long-time Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and deny them a first league title since 1960, while securing a fifth consecutive crown after a decisive finish to the season.
Hearts had led the table since September and were chasing a first non-Old Firm title in four decades.
They needed only a draw on the final day to be confirmed champions. Lawrence Shankland’s opener put them on course, and they were minutes from sealing the title before the game turned late on.
Celtic levelled through an Arne Engels penalty before Daizen Maeda put them ahead in the 87th minute, a goal confirmed after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call. Callum Osmand added a stoppage-time third as Celtic moved past Rangers in total league titles with 56.
The match unfolded under pressure at Celtic Park, with Hearts arriving close to a historic breakthrough. Instead, they became part of another late turnaround in a season defined by tight margins at the top.
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Martin O’Neill, in what could be his final league game in charge, secured a fourth league title with Celtic, 22 years after his previous one. His side had already beaten the same opposition earlier in the run-in after mixed results during the campaign. Derek McInnes, who has previously finished second to Celtic while at Aberdeen, ended his first season at Hearts again as runner-up.
Celtic entered the decisive stretch after a narrow win away to Motherwell, a match settled in stoppage time. Hearts, meanwhile, had been within reach of the title during the week but could not close it out.
The final match itself remained level in terms of chances early on, with neither side registering a shot on target for over half an hour. Hearts struck first just before half-time when Shankland headed in from a Stephen Kingsley corner after Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was left exposed.
Celtic responded in first-half stoppage time. Engels converted from the spot after Kieran Tierney’s cross struck the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis.
The second half remained open, with Kelechi Iheanacho hitting the post and Benjamin Nygren denied by Schwolow, before Celtic took control late on.
Maeda turned in an Osmand cross to complete the comeback, and Osmand added a third as Hearts pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
O’Neill had noted before kick-off that expectations outside Celtic Park were leaning towards Hearts. The final outcome, however, extended Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football.
Hearts had briefly held an eight-point lead earlier in the season, but consistency issues in the closing stages allowed Celtic to close the gap and finish ahead.
Celtic ended the campaign with a strong home run and secured their 14th title in 15 years. They now turn attention to the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor told Sky Sports: “You put your heart and soul into this job. You can’t switch it off.
“It’s probably been the most the club has had to deal with. You can’t do it all on your own, you have to have eight or nine senior players driving it.
“I did [feel it was coming]. You could feel the energy picking up, we were creating chances and had bodies up the top end of the pitch.
“Credit to the boys – they found a way to win the game.
“So many late goals, so you have that belief. Everyone has – quite rightly – had a pop at us, but it’s good to answer that.
“The players rose to the occasion and found a way to get the job done.
“All the pressure was on us again. There’s so much expectation, but somehow you find a way. I guess that’s the sign of champions.
“It’s heart and desire, that’s what wins you football matches.
“Hopefully we can use this as a catapult to get the club back on track. Our job is to deliver titles and I’m pleased we’ve managed to do our bit.”
