Maeda shines as Celtic defeat Rangers to trail leaders Hearts by one point

Hearts now hold a slender one point advantage with two fixtures left, including a challenging away match at Celtic Park on the season's closing Saturday.

The resurgence of Maeda has driven Celtic's determined push towards securing a 14th championship in the past 15 seasons. Remarkably, six from his tally of 14 goals this year arrived during the recent four outings.

"Outstanding display by Daizen Maeda. That second strike of his was simply incredible," commented Celtic's temporary manager Martin O'Neill.

"We remain in the hunt, we keep battling, and that's the key takeaway from this match.

Rangers' run of three straight losses has eliminated them from the championship race, confirming a third place finish for Danny Rohl's squad.

"Prior to the split, we were in a strong spot, and this setback is tough to swallow. We must enhance and progress rapidly," stated Rohl.

"I'll draw plenty from these past three encounters to gear up optimally. I'll guide this team, and I know precisely our areas for growth."

The away side began brilliantly, with Tottenham youngster on loan Mikey Moore capitalising on loose defending by Celtic to slot home after nine minutes.

O'Neill's team hit back swiftly to equalise, as Yang Hyun-jun converted Arne Engels' driven pass into the net.

In a blistering spell, Maeda netted a brace within three minutes approaching the hour, clinching Celtic's initial league triumph against Rangers since September 2024.

The striker converted Kieran Tierney's delivery before unleashing a stunning acrobatic effort that arced perfectly into the distant corner, igniting wild jubilation from the 60,000 supporters.

Hearts have dominated the standings for nearly the whole campaign, seeking to end a 41 year wait as the first non Old Firm club to claim the Scottish crown.

The Edinburgh side might clinch the trophy this Wednesday by beating Falkirk, provided Celtic drop points at Motherwell.

Otherwise, any alternative outcomes will leave the championship decision hanging as Hearts head to Glasgow's East End in a week's time.