Scottish Premiership: Celtic Close In On Hearts With Thrilling Hibs Win

Hearts drop points again in Motherwell draw

Celtic moved to within two points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts with a 2-1 win over Hibernian. Martin O'Neill maintained his perfect domestic record as interim Celtic manager.

Celtic's fast start was crucial, with Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels scoring early goals...

Martin O'Neill's Celtic side got off to a flying start, scoring twice in the first 33 seconds against Hibernian! This helped secure a 2-1 win, maintaining O'Neill's perfect domestic record as interim manager. This win closes the gap on leaders Hearts to just two points, with Celtic having a game in hand.

Before the match, O'Neill announced he'll continue as caretaker manager for the Dundee game, with Celtic finalizing Wilfried Nancy's appointment as new boss. The 73-year-old's experience is no doubt invaluable, having led Celtic to success during his 2000-2005 tenure.

Celtic's fast start was crucial, with Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels scoring early goals. This set the tone for their 2-1 win, marking their sixth victory in seven under O'Neill. This impressive run has lifted Celtic to second place, just two points behind leaders Hearts.

A crucial win in the capital! 🙌#HIBCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/oj9i21hV60

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 30, 2025

Celtic's goals came from great opportunities. A weak pass from Hibs' goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger allowed Reo Hatate to steal the ball, setting up Daizen Maeda's easy finish. Just 33 seconds into the game, Celtic were 2-0 up when Arne Engels headed in Hyun-Jun Yang's cross, taking a boot to the face in the process.

Rangers held Celtic almost put the result beyond doubt when Japan forward Maeda back-heeled the ball into the path of the on-rushing Marcelo Saracchi, but the full-back's shot struck a post.

Hibs pushed hard after HT, with Martin Boyle scoring a deserved penalty, awarded for Liam Scales' handball. The hosts pressed for an equalizer, with Chris Cadden's late shot saved by Kasper Schmeichel's legs.

Hearts, the arch Edinburgh rivals of Hibernian, dropped points for the third league game in a row on Saturday with a goalless draw away to Motherwell.

Rangers saw their four-match winning league run under manager Danny Rohl, who replaced the sacked Russell Martin, end as Falkirk battled to a goalless draw at Ibrox.

Rangers remain fourth, nine points behind leaders Hearts. Aberdeen secured a late win, with Nicky Devlin scoring 10 minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory over Livingston, lifting them off the bottom of the table.