Celtic Beat Rangers 3-1 to Keep Scottish Premiership Title Race Alive

Celtic down Rangers 3-1 as Maeda stars in old firm win

Daizen Maeda’s double helped Celtic secure their first league win over Rangers since 2024, keeping their push for a 14th title in 15 years alive.

Maeda shines as Celtic beat Rangers to move one point behind Hearts...

Daizen Maeda’s two goals ensured Celtic remain in control of the Scottish Premiership race after a 3-1 victory over Rangers.

Hearts now lead by just one point with two matches left, and face a decisive trip to Celtic Park on the final day this Saturday.

Maeda’s recent scoring surge has powered Celtic’s push for a 14th league title in 15 years. The Japan forward has netted 6 of his 14 goals this season in the last four games alone.

“Extraordinary performance from Daizen Maeda. His second goal was just unbelievable,” said Celtic interim boss Martin O'Neill.

“We're still in it, we're still fighting, and that's the most important thing to come out of today.

Three straight losses have ended Rangers’ title hopes and confirmed that Danny Rohl’s side will finish the season in third place.

“We had a great position before the split, and this is hard to take and we have to improve and develop quick,” said Rohl.

“I will take a lot from the last three games to be prepared the best way possible. I will lead this group, and I am clear about what we have to improve.”

Rangers struck early, with Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore pouncing on a defensive lapse from Celtic to tap home in the 9th minute.

Celtic hit back quickly through Yang Hyun-jun, who finished off Arne Engels’ low delivery to make it 1-1.

Maeda then grabbed two goals in three minutes just before the hour mark, sealing Celtic’s first league victory over Rangers since September 2024.

A win in the Glasgow Derby! 🤩#CELRAN | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/fUTF6Zk49O

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 10, 2026

The forward first converted Kieran Tierney’s cross, then produced a stunning looping overhead kick that landed in the far corner, sparking wild celebrations from the 60,000 fans inside the stadium.

Hearts have been top of the table for nearly the whole campaign as they chase a historic first Scottish title for a non-Old Firm club in 41 years.

The Jambos could clinch the championship on Wednesday if they beat Falkirk and Celtic drop points at Motherwell.

If results go any other way, the title race will come down to next Saturday’s trip to Celtic Park in Glasgow’s East End.