Celtic confirm 56th league title win in chaotic fashion against Hearts

Celtic hosted Hearts in the final league match of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season, with both teams able to lift the league title at full-time. A draw or win for Hearts would see them finish first, but if Celtic won, they would be crowned champions at home.

Hearts were looking to be the first team outside of Celtic and Rangers to lift the Scottish Premiership title in 40 years, and they had a difficult task on their hands away from home at Celtic Park.

The game began, and the nerves were felt instantly around the ground. Hearts knew they had to defeat, while Celtic had to secure victory on home soil.

In the 43rd-minute, the deadlock was broken. Hearts had taken the lead, through their ever-present Lawrence Shankland. His late first-half goal was crucial in the game, and Hearts had found an important lead away from home.

Despite the hosts trailing going into the 45th-minute, they were not behind for long. A handball offence inside the box allowed Celtic the opportunity to draw themselves level from the spot, with Arne Engels stepping up to the penalty.

Engels dispatched his spot kick, and Martin O'Neil's side were level going into the half-time interval. The huge late equaliser in the first half changed the course of the game, but with 45 minutes left, Hearts were top of the Scottish Premiership.

In the second half, Hearts were top of the table in the 85th minute of the match, and time was running out for the Hoops. That was until Celtic's Daizen Maeda scored from close range to put the hosts in the lead. A cross into the Japanese saw him get to the ball first before the Jam Tarts' goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

Maeda had scored for the sixth game in a row, and it was arguably the most important goal of his career.

Celtic Park had erupted into celebration, and after a VAR check, the goal stood. Hearts were left heartbroken, but serial winners Celtic were on the cusp of even more silverware.

Time was running out for Derrick McIness' team, and one last roll of the dice saw them caught out at the back...

Callum Osmand, on his second league appearance for Celtic, found an open goal ahead of him, and he ran to the open net and scored, sealing the title for his side. Celtic had won the game 3-1 and had won their 56th league title in dramatic style.

O'Neil's reign as interim manager comes to an end at the weekend after the Scottish Cup final, which could result in even more silverware for the club. Celtic will search for a new permanent manager in the summer, in what will be a huge few months for the club.

The Hoops had secured their fifth league title in a row, and in a season that had plenty of lows, they ended it on a huge high.