In a stunning conclusion to the Scottish Premiership season, Celtic delivered a late masterclass to defeat Hearts 3-1 and clinch the title in dramatic fashion on the final day.
Martin O'Neill's side arrived knowing only a victory would be enough to overtake Hearts, who had led the league standings for an incredible 250 days. The Hoops delivered when it mattered most, with two late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealing the championship and sparking wild celebrations at Parkhead.
This triumph marks Celtic's fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and a record-extending 56th top-flight crown, surpassing their Old Firm rivals Rangers. For a club that has been the dominant force in Scottish football for over a decade, winning 14 of the last 15 top-flight titles, this one felt particularly special given the circumstances.
The season has been anything but smooth for Celtic, marked by fan protests, managerial changes, and uncertainty. Enter the 74-year-old O'Neill, who returned to guide the club through turbulent waters after taking over with the Hoops trailing by six points. He masterfully turned the tide, ending the campaign two points clear of the Jambos.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Hearts drew first blood when Lawrence Shankland headed home unmarked at the back post, sending the away end into raptures with chants of "we shall not be moved." But Celtic responded swiftly—a Kieran Tierney cross was handled by Alexandros Kyziridis, and referee Don Robertson pointed to the spot. Arne Engels stepped up and fired low under goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow to level the score.
After the break, Celtic dominated possession and piled on the pressure. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post, and Schwolow produced brilliant saves to deny Benjamin Nygren and Maeda. Just when it seemed the title might slip away, the breakthrough came in the 87th minute. Maeda forced home Osmand's low cross, and despite the offside flag initially going up, the goal stood after review, igniting pandemonium.
With one trophy already secured, O'Neill's side now stands just 90 minutes away from a domestic double. They face former captain Neil Lennon's Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final on May 23, a fitting stage to cap off a remarkable turnaround season.