Hearts' Historic Lead: 3-1 Win Over Celtic

Celtic's title hopes fade as Hearts win 3-1

Scottish Premiership: Hearts move closer to title glory with 3-1 win over Celtic, 16 points clear of Rangers. Hearts' 3-1 win over Celtic puts pressure on Glasgow giants, with Tony Bloom's side on the brink of a historic title triumph.

Hearts' transformation under minority owner Tony Bloom's investment has been remarkable...

Hearts edged closer to ending the Old Firm's long-standing dominance in Scottish football with a 3-1 victory over Celtic. The win gave them an eight-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, fueling hopes of a historic title triumph.

A Dane Murray own goal, a stunning strike from Alexandros Kyziridis, and a Lawrence Shankland penalty sealed the win for Hearts. The result marked Celtic's second consecutive league defeat in nearly two years, leaving the Edinburgh side in pursuit.

Rangers' title hopes are fading fast as Hearts pulled 16 points clear, leaving the Ibrox side further adrift. The Glasgow giants host Kilmarnock later on Sunday, but their chances of overtaking Hearts look slim.

Hearts' transformation under minority owner Tony Bloom's investment has been remarkable. The expertise of Bloom's Jamestown Analytics firm has paid off, with summer signings Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis playing key roles in the team's success. This season's strong start could see Hearts make history by ending the Old Firm's dominance in Scottish football, a feat not seen since Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen won the title in 1985.

Hearts' title prospects have received a boost from the struggles of their Glasgow rivals. Celtic's dismal summer transfer window, which sparked fan outrage over perceived underinvestment, is now being further exposed by a crippling injury crisis.

The Europa League win over Sturm Graz turned sour with serious injuries to Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Kelechi Iheanacho, all of whom will be out for months.

Dane Murray had a torrid afternoon at Tynecastle, slicing a Lawrence Shankland cross into his own net to put Hearts ahead after just eight minutes. However, Celtic responded swiftly, with Kieran Tierney setting up Callum McGregor to equalize and restore parity.

Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow made a stunning save to deny Benjamin Nygren, sparing Celtic a potential half-time lead. However, the visitors' energy waned in the second half, seemingly affected by their midweek European match, and Hearts capitalized on their fatigue.

❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/YlMYR075WQ

— Heart of Midlothian FC Goals (@HeartsGoals) October 26, 2025

The home crowd's excitement grew as Hearts sensed the possibility of breaking the Old Firm's grip on the title, and their efforts were rewarded with a 3-1 victory.

Alexandros Kyziridis scored a stunning goal seven minutes into the second half, arrowing a shot from outside the box into the net for his fifth goal since joining from Zemplin Michalovce. Claudio Braga then drew a penalty when Dane Murray committed a naive foul, and Lawrence Shankland confidently converted the spot kick beyond Kasper Schmeichel.

The win sparked celebrations, with Hearts owner Tony Bloom being serenaded with chants of his name by the enthusiastic home crowd.

Celtic's scoreline was kept respectable thanks to a fine save from goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who denied Eduardo Ageu. The Hoops have dominated Scottish football in recent years, claiming 13 titles in the last 14 seasons.

However, Rangers' tumultuous period since their relegation to the fourth tier in 2012 may be about to give way to a new challenger, as Hearts look to end the Old Firm's long-standing grip on the top spot in Scottish football.