We anticipated a rollercoaster final game of the season, but goodness, no one could have imagined the dramatic a conclusion we got.
Just as they had against Newco six days earlier, then against Motherwell on Wednesday, Celtic conceded the first goal against Hearts and left their title hopes clinging by a thread. Until that goal in the 43rd minute, Hearts offered little more than resistance, as Celtic struggled to create a chance worthy of the name.
Celtic defend corner kicks with a mix of man-to-man; usually concentrating on the tall players who take up prime positions in front of goal, and zonal; flooding the prime spots in front of goal where players are most likely to score from.
Lawrence Shankland made a run to the back post from a low-risk area and with his run, was able to evade Alistair Johnston. When Viljami Sinisalo came for and missed the cross, Shankland was favourite and finished excellently.
With the middle of the park proving impossible to penetrate, Celtic made their crucial breakthrough down the left. Sebastian Tounekti played-in the overlapping Kieran Tierney, whose cross met the arm of the unfortunate Kyziridis. Referee Don Robertson initially pointed for a corner kick, but within a second changed his mind to award the penalty.
Arne Engels will hit better penalties and not convert them. It is a worry for another day that our competence from the spot does not seem nailed down, for now, none of that mattered as Hearts ‘keeper Schwolow dived over the shot. A delicious twist of irony was added to the equaliser, as it occurred in the fourth minute of four added before the interval, after Hearts players twice required play to stop during the first half for physio treatment.
With Celtic’s ‘Get out of Jail’ card played, Martin O’Neill made the first of his big substitution decisions at halftime. Kelechi Iheanacho always improves Celtic when he comes on. Always. He is by far the best player in Scottish football and with Daizen Maeda moving left, Celtic began to dominate proceedings for the first time in the game.
With Hearts clearly flagging and sitting ever-deeper, the goal always looked like coming, however, I got worried when Martin made his second big substitution decision. As he hooked Auston Trusty for Callum Osmand with 17 minutes of the game left, it indicated the manager was making a gamble he was not entirely comfortable with. This was the first time he had gone three at the back at Celtic – since 2005 anyway – and was a formation I thought we had seen the last of when Wilfried Nancy departed. It clearly played a significant role in our French manager’s downfall.
Osmand had not even featured on the bench in over six months. His appearance as a sub was a surprise in itself. In his career to date, he had played only 94 minutes of senior football across three substitute appearances. You would be forgiven for thinking, ‘Desperate stuff’. But you would be wrong.
Osmand’s final act will take all the headlines but his most telling contribution was his timed run (while over a yard onside) and perfect cross for Daizen Maeda to give Celtic the lead in the 88th minute. For a player dismissed as “Miles off it” by an earlier manager, but championed by Shaun Maloney and the rest of the coaching staff to Martin O’Neill, as soon as Irishman arrived for his first stint in charge this season, Callum was outstanding. We have a genuinely exciting 20-year-old on our hands.
Marcelo Saracchi came on at the same time as Osmand and played a pivotal role in the second Celtic goal, his directness in possession was exactly what was required that late in the game, that late in the season. The script was written for the man of the moment and Daizen Maeda was not about to let the occasion pass.
When he saw Osmand head towards the byline, Daizen moved away from him to create space in which to attack the coming cross. The goal was an instant of ecstasy for Celtic fans worldwide, which was frustrated by a bizarre offside flag which was correctly overruled by VAR. Ecstasy resumed when Don Robertson pointed to the centre spot and I am not sure it will ever end. We may now have to live with being permanently ecstatic.
Sky Sports had its greatest moment since the “Agueroooooooo” goal in2012. Hearts fans distraught at getting to the 88th minute of the final game of the season as champions-elect, only to see their hopes destroyed. Celtic fans, who had not seen their side top of the table since September, now believing, “It’s happening!!” Life in all its joys and tortures was there, beamed around the world for gasping audiences.
All that was left was the most incredible end to a season ever recorded, more so than that 2012 win by Manchester City. There was one minute on the clock when Callum McGregor conceded a free kick 40 yards from the Celtic goal. Derek McInnes told Schwolow to leave his goal and get into the Celtic box. When the resultant kick was knocked out the box, every Celtic player pushed out, seven Hearts players, stood still. That caused the most overwhelming overload you will ever see. Iheanacho, McGregor, James Forrest, the referee and Callum Osmand were all ahead of the nearest Hearts player. It was indeed happening. Celebrating this goal was the most fantastic experience. The outcome was inevitable six seconds before it happened; allowing us the most delicious anticipation of pleasure known to man. You just don’t get this at a football game.
1986, 1988, 1998 and 2017 are the most iconic seasons I have experienced. It’s too early to know if this tops the lot; recency bias, and all that. But today, it feels like it does. We were so low, so often. So many late, late, goals. Behind in our last three games with no space to drop points.
The brilliant game against Newco just over a week ago with one of the greatest goals we have ever seen. The even-more outstanding game against Motherwell, conceding in the 85th minute, then its momentous conclusion. Finally, the Hearts game that won the title. Scoring with literally the last kick of the ball in the final two games of the season – and I don’t recall that happening once before in my Celtic supporting life.
Scottish football outdid itself this season, credit to Falkirk, St Mirren, Hibernian and Motherwell for their playing style, to Newco for their recovery and coming so close after Russell Martin, and, of course, to Hearts. Derek McInnes’ reaction to our entirely-legitimate penalty at Motherwell, or on Saturday, might cloud your judgement on this, but football does things to people. To McInnes, to you and to me.
Most of all, congratulations to Martin O’Neill, his team of winners, to Celtic Football Club and the supporters who inspired them to historic greatness.
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Gnash gnash gnash , splutter splutter splutter ,gnash gnash gnash…
Leave them all the drown in their bitter tears…
Champions again …
HH
Champions again!
HH!
Paul67 and that Celtic ‘stable base‘
Good to hear MON clamp White on talksport re pitch invasion,it’s a once in a generation game,total elation, exuberance, we know it should get dealt with for future games at Celtic Park,let’s close ranks,the hun media are all over us again
What a finish to a season. What a brilliant competition. Well done to all concerned who created such a great competition by coming down levels from last season. 10 points worse off ( after we went on holiday in the split last year) and 56 of a goal difference worse off.
Two ways to create competition. Come down levels or go up levels. It’s easier to come down but it worked.
That football is a funny auld game, make sure you enjoy the moment as they are rare, they only come round 14 years out of 15
Congratulations Celtic on winning 5 in row 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
Hail Hail
The switch to a back 3 changed the course of history.We were going nowhere until that happemd.
i wonder if a certain Mr Maloney was the true architect
“Lawrence Shankland made a run to the back post from a low-risk area”
FFS Paul 😂most goals are scored at the back post, inside the six yard line.
Go to 9 minutes on the Sportscene highlights: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002wpcw/sportscene-premiership-highlights-202526-16052026
Hearts have a corner kick immediately preceding the one they score from. They set up exactly the same way, and so did we.
Both Shankland and Steinwender were left unmarked in the most “high risk” area.
It was mental that we left their most prolific scorer and one of the their big guys free to run. And no surprise they scored.
Inexplicable.
Other than that… what a way to win the league.
Wee Lena has been singing her wee heart out.
One more to go.
Paul67 et al
Maybe time then Paul to bring that SPL League Table to the rhs up to date showing the Champions @ the Top
Ihenacho did well but better than the Maeda of the last two weeks (and not the time before) ?
Not for me, Clive.
IF we played three at the back in domestic games we would probably win most games a lot more comfortably than has become the norm but which players fit it best? What do you do with KT, AJ and Saracchi? Do you play two wingers?
It was a shambles when Nancy tried it for anumber of different reasons, I doubt Martin will stick with it for the cup final.
On a different theme, was Jota at the game? I thought he would have been there for the presentation. I assume by now he is back in some form of training?
the Bada Bing on 18th May 2026 12:14 pm
Good to hear MON clamp White on talksport re pitch invasion,it’s a once in a generation game,total elation, exuberance, we know it should get dealt with for future games at Celtic Park,let’s close ranks,the hun media are all over us again
_____
👍Radio Scotland had a phone in. One Hearts woman said these kind of things don’t happen in Edinburgh 🤔
I can add 1979 to Paul’s list of incredible wins and have never felt the need to go on the pitch. Of course no-one should but it seems to worse (somehow🤔) when it involves Celtic. Another caller wondered what would happen had they won. Does my nut in. Btw on the same show, they were discussing the 35,000 assaults on teacher in Scotland. Hmmm, let me think. I haven’t pored over the footage but did see Shankland push someone and another Hearts players stamping on a fans phone. Let’s get back to the boring win the league before the split next season 😁
Saturday was incredible, certainly the best ever for shear drama.
DeniaBhoy- didn’t see Jota on Saturday, I heard he’s had a setback, got to be doubts about him after all this time
A few comments on the game and our next fixture.
1. Neil Lennon is a better manager than McInnes. He has an inferior team, but will get more out of them
2. Just before Hearts scored they had another set piece (corner?) , and Shankland pulled off unmarked to the back post. The warning was there.
3. IMHO, Nancy didnt play 3 at the back, he played 1, with a weird 12331 system, which left the guy at the back on his own, often against 2/3 forwards. The MoN version had a compact back 3 and although we were vulnerable to set pieces on Saturday it got us across the line.
The old Rangers song that they stole from Millwall , ” No one likes us we don’t care” is obviously nonsense, with the exception of the Hibees ( this week anyway) I think it’s clear in Scotland anyway that it’s us they don’t like
The only corruption that took place on Saturday was the desperate attempt of the linesman to flag a clearly onside goal
Impressive opus Paulo.
However, as TBB points out Shanks did not evade anyone – he was bafflingly unmarked after Vils flaparama in the 6-yard box. A worry.
Also Kel best player in the league?? On what basis – skill? Availability ? Stamina? Consistency? Dig? He has abundant skill as a CF but our ever-presents – Cal; Liam; Daizen – are better pound for pound contributors; and that makes em better players imo.
No point in being a skillsmith if ur a Boerrigter on the treatment table.
That said, I’d offer big Ian a new contract before drafting one for The Ox.
Now Bhoys; make mine a double 🥃
Good afternoon all from the Tolbooth. Cup final week starts now. 👍
For drama, that was quite the ride. Very sweet feelings emerged after a season of endurance. This team has an unquenchable spirit that made up for our deficiencies.
Celtic never cease to nourish & illuminate our Tim souls.
56 🍀
Celtic are champions
bigrailroadblues on 18th May 2026 1:02 pm
“Good afternoon all from the Tolbooth. Cup final week starts now. 👍”
Surprised at where you are, John. According to reports at the week-end, that area was decimated by an atom bomb, por cierto
Re Shankland’s reaction to the fan who goaded him …
I’m going to throw Lawrence a bone
(FWIW – which is almost nothing)
You mentioned those seconds before Osmand scored Paul.
From Kelechi dispossessing Devlin
… to Callum feeding Callum
… took less than 2 seconds.
When McGregor played that pass to Osmand the world ended for those Hearts players.
It was happening to them
They could process and understand that fact unfolding …
… but, in that instant, were powerless.
Comparable to the condemned on the gallows or at the guillotine.
Death is coming.
I can’t prevent it.
It ends here … never to come back.
30 seconds later Shankland was goaded.
He lost it.
I probably would have too.
“ There was one minute on the clock when Callum McGregor conceded a free kick 40 yards from the Celtic goal. Derek McInnes told Schwolow to leave his goal and get into the Celtic box. When the resultant kick was knocked out the box, every Celtic player pushed out, seven Hearts players, stood still. That caused the most overwhelming overload you will ever see”.
It was incredible.
In the space of a few seconds it went from gut churning anxiety to sheer elation.
You couldn’t help but fear the worst when the free kick was conceded, then the clearance sitting up for Devlin to have a shot. But when McGregor blocked it, won the ball and passed to Osamand the counter attack was on.
It took me a second or two to realise Hertz not only had no defenders, they also had no keeper.
The feeling of relief and elation in that moment will live with me forever.
OH. MY. DAYS.
Congratulations Celtic on winning another title. MON, Shaun and the coaching staff and of course,all the players,Thank you.
We did it the hard way which is no good for the old blood pressure, therefore, onto the board. Your gamble paid off,JUST!
If you don’t shape up- ship out. The rebuild starts now.
Finally,GIRUP everyone of our detractors as I’ve had the weekend of my life.
The hun medias tears are delicious.
Whatever happens next season we will NOT be given any 50/50 decisions, get no sympathy from the rest of the SPL despite getting them a wee c.£200k through our hopeful CL participation, the SMSM will be stoking the fires from August all the way to May 27.
You know what, fck them, fck them all, we never ever get a fair crack from anyone north of the border, whoever is our manager has to be aware of what to expect.
As for Callum Osmand, this will do wonders for him as a Celtic player.
He’ll make a serious contribution next season.
Kelechi signed a 1 year contract in September
I agree with previous posters.
Offer him another deal today.
His mission should he choose to accept it?
Next season, give us 2,000 minutes …
… of experience and sheer class
Back to your best Paul – Brilliant summation.
Their goal was a well worked set piece. Flood the front area and have 2 men attack the back post late. AJ was blocked off by the first guy leaving Shankland clear to head home. We should have dealt with it better but we live and learn. Loved young Osmond’s interview after the game. He knows he has joined something special at Celtic. I agree he has the makings of a top class player for us. Well done CelticTV on getting round all the players for their reactions. It was brilliant viewing.
That final goal was indeed ecstacy. As soon as Callum played that pass, we knew the goal was coming. 5 or 6 seconds of sheer jubilation. Watching all the players run in different directions with their hands in the air to celebrate with the crowd was truly iconic. Something that will live with me forever.
We are so lucky to have Celtic in our lives.
jas1160
If you think the smsm will wait till August, I fear that you will be sadly disappointed.
Por Cierto on 18th May 2026 1:16 pm
bigrailroadblues on 18th May 2026 1:02 pm
“Good afternoon all from the Tolbooth. Cup final week starts now. 👍”
Surprised at where you are, John. According to reports at the week-end, that area was decimated by an atom bomb, por cierto
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Por Cierto before entering a drinking establishment, Bigrailroadblues did in fact witness the ‘devastation’ in the area, just outside said establishment there was an empty crips packet askew outside a bin, said crisps packet was carefully and expertly placed fully within the receptacle and he just carried on in to the pub for a well-earned drink, sorted!
Has any media source mentioned how crap hearts were, anti-football tactics that got their just reward.
Really can’t remember a single time they created a chance, horrible long ball game sanctioned by a poor coach who is only out done by the fat gardener for sleekitness.
Poor when they win and the most graceless losers imaginable.
vale bhoy on 18th May 2026 1:26 pm
jas1160
If you think the smsm will wait till August, I fear that you will be sadly disappointed.
________________________________________________________________________________
Although the SMSM have a bit of a dilemma this summer, usually Sevco are shoe-ins for the Close Season Cup, this year it might be a neck and neck race with the Diet Huns, a tricky one to call.
Ziggydoc1 @ 12:35pm
“Btw on the same show, they were discussing the 35,000 assaults on teachers in Scotland”
—–
My wife, who has little interest in football, saw the same headlines on Reporting Scotland and quipped …
“Did Celtic fans do that too?”
FIFTY-SIX……Keep ’em coming BHOYS.
BTW – on that set piece, there was an even earlier tell by Hearts.
One that a fully functioning set piece coaching unit at Celtic should recognise.
They scored from their second corner in succession.
The first they played out directly to the edge of the box … and immediately recycled back to the corner kick taker
… for another cross or corner.
It was a (successful) tactic to mix it up, make us mindful of other options and to bring us out just a little bit.
Blatantly obvious that the next corner would be right on top of us.
Which it was.
Smart work.
Original wiggy has stuck his oar in, points deductions for teams whose fans invade the pitch is his input.
Can’t remember if that particular placeman had an ebt.