Celtic’s Comeback Victory Cuts Gap on Premiership Leaders
Celtic delivered a thrilling comeback victory against Rangers, with Daizen Maeda playing a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence. The Japanese forward netted a memorable goal at Celtic Park, helping the champions close the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts to just one point.
Maeda showcased his brilliance with a stunning overhead kick that found the top corner, marking his second goal in four minutes and his sixth in four games. Earlier in the match, he had opened the scoring with a first-time finish in the 53rd minute, demonstrating his sharpness and composure.
The match began with a swift strike from Mikey Moore, who gave Rangers the lead in the ninth minute. However, Yang Hyun-jun equalized in controversial circumstances during the first half, setting the stage for an intense contest.
The opening half was marked by fast-paced action, but Celtic proved to be stronger in the early stages of the second half. They held firm as Rangers pushed to regain control, ultimately securing a 3-1 win that brought them closer to the top of the league table.
This result, combined with Hearts’ draw at Motherwell on Saturday night, means that Celtic can still clinch the title if they earn a point at Fir Park. Although Hearts currently have a three-goal advantage in goal difference, this only comes into play if Celtic draw at Fir Park and Hearts lose at home to Falkirk.
Rangers suffered their third consecutive defeat, which has relegated them to third place in the league. This is the first time since 2000 that a Rangers team has endured a hat-trick of league losses. To avoid dropping out of the Europa League qualifiers, they now need Celtic to beat Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final.
A Frantic Derby Begins
The derby started with high energy, as Maeda’s pressing immediately caused problems for Rangers. His efforts almost led to a goal after Jack Butland spilled an Arne Engels shot. Luke McCowan, making a surprise appearance on Celtic’s right wing, was twice dispossessed in strong challenges that led to Rangers breaks.
Youssef Chermiti had a chance to score but shot just wide after Moore broke through. The same pair were involved in the opener when McCowan was bundled off the ball by Emmanuel Fernandez. Chermiti’s shot was blocked, and Moore capitalized on the rebound to put Rangers ahead.
Maeda had several chances to score but missed the target. Celtic eventually equalized when Yang swept home from an Engels cutback following McCowan’s excellent reverse pass. Benjamin Nygren was in an offside position, but the video assistant referee, John Beaton, ruled that the Sweden international was not interfering, allowing the goal to stand.
A Fast-Paced Second Half
The hectic action continued at either end before the break, with Chermiti remaining a threat and McCowan and Maeda being denied by last-ditch challenges. Manager Brendan Rodgers made a halftime change, bringing on Sebastian Tounekti for McCowan and shifting Yang to the right side.
Celtic turned the screw, with Maeda nearly reaching Nygren’s cross before converting Kieran Tierney’s volleyed cross. The Japan attacker soon produced a moment of magic after Tounekti’s cross was half-cleared into his control. Maeda knocked the ball into the air and launched himself into a bicycle kick while Butland watched in disbelief as the ball looped under his crossbar.
Even as Rangers pressed in the final 20 minutes, Celtic Park was in full voice. Viljami Sinisalo saved Dujon Sterling’s header, and Bojan Miovski headed against the crossbar in stoppage time.
