Celtic Move Level with Hearts After Edging 10-Man Hibernian

Key facts

• Celtic beat Hibernian 2-1 on 3 May 2026.
• Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning goal as a substitute.
• Hibernian played with 10 men after a first-half red card.
• The result moves Celtic level on points with Heart of Midlothian at the top of the table.
• Heart of Midlothian defeated Hibernian 1-0 earlier in the season.
• Kilmarnock won 2-0 against St. Mirren to boost survival hopes.
• Dundee United drew 1-1 with Livingston.
• Livingston have been relegated from the Scottish Premiership.

Title Race Tightens as Celtic Capitalise on Numerical Advantage

Celtic have drawn level with Heart of Midlothian at the summit of the William Hill Premiership after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a 10-man Hibernian side at Easter Road. The win, secured by a second-half strike from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, underscores the fine margins defining this season's title chase. Hibernian, who had been reduced to ten men before the interval, initially fought back to level the score, but Celtic's numerical superiority eventually told. The result leaves both Celtic and Hearts locked on the same points, setting up a potentially decisive run-in.

Iheanacho's Impact Off the Bench Decides Tense Encounter

With Celtic struggling to break down a resilient Hibernian defence, manager Brendan Rodgers turned to Iheanacho, who had been introduced as a substitute. The Nigerian forward, praised by his manager as 'magnificent', delivered the decisive moment, slotting home after a swift counter-attack. Earlier, Celtic had taken the lead through Daizen Maeda, whose goal survived a VAR check for offside. Hibernian responded before half-time with an equaliser that sparked controversy over a potential handball in the build-up. The hosts' hopes were further dented when they received a red card, leaving them to defend for over 45 minutes with a numerical disadvantage.

Hearts Hold Firm as Rangers Test Looms

Heart of Midlothian, who earlier this season defeated Hibernian 1-0, remain joint top after their own fixtures. Manager Steven McInnes described his side as 'underdogs' for their upcoming clash with Rangers, a match that could prove pivotal in the title race. The Tynecastle trip is viewed as a 'huge' challenge, with Rangers seeking to close the gap on the leading pair. Meanwhile, Celtic's victory has placed added pressure on Rangers, who must now win to keep pace. The title race, once a two-horse affair, has evolved into a three-way contest with Hearts emerging as credible contenders.

Kilmarnock Boost Survival Hopes as Livingston Relegated

At the other end of the table, Kilmarnock secured a vital 2-0 victory over St. Mirren, lifting their survival hopes. The win moves them further clear of the relegation zone, though the battle for safety remains intense. Livingston's fate was sealed after their 1-1 draw with Dundee United proved insufficient to keep them in the top flight. The club's relegation marks the end of a four-year stint in the Scottish Premiership, with Livingston now facing an uncertain future in the Championship.

European Qualification Spots in Play

The Scottish Premiership table also determines qualification for European competitions. The top two teams secure UEFA Champions League qualifying berths, while the third-placed side enters the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. The fourth-placed team earns a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. With Celtic and Hearts locked at the top, the race for Champions League places is far from settled. Rangers, currently third, will be eager to close the gap, while teams like Dundee United and Hibernian harbour ambitions of a European finish.

Player of the Month Award and Transfer Rumours

Amid the on-field drama, the league announced that Ferry has been voted Player of the Month, recognising his consistent performances. The award highlights the depth of talent in the division. Transfer rumours continue to swirl as the summer window approaches, with clubs already planning squad reinforcements. The Scottish Premiership's competitive balance ensures that every signing could tilt the balance in the title race or the battle for survival.

Outlook: Title Race Enters Decisive Phase

With the season entering its final weeks, every match carries immense weight. Celtic's victory over Hibernian has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion, with Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers all harbouring realistic title ambitions. The coming fixtures, including Hearts' clash with Rangers and Celtic's continued push, will determine whether the championship returns to Glasgow or remains in Edinburgh. For now, the Scottish Premiership table tells a story of intense competition, fine margins, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

The bottom line

• Celtic and Hearts are level on points at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Celtic's 2-1 win over 10-man Hibernian.
• Kelechi Iheanacho's goal as a substitute proved decisive for Celtic.
• Hibernian's red card was a turning point in the match.
• Kilmarnock's 2-0 win over St. Mirren boosts their survival hopes.
• Livingston have been relegated after a 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
• The top two teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with Europa League and Conference League spots also at stake.