It was a night to remember at Fir Park as Motherwell finally broke their decade-long hoodoo against Celtic, securing a stunning 2-0 victory in front of a jubilant home crowd on December 30, 2025. The Scottish Premiership clash, billed as a potential turning point in the title race, delivered in spades—especially for the Steelmen, who not only ended a 35-game winless streak against the Glasgow giants but also threw the championship race wide open as the year drew to a close.
Heading into the match, Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy was seeking his third consecutive win after recent successes over Aberdeen and Livingston. However, his decision to make four changes to the starting lineup—bringing in Kasper Schmeichel, Liam Scales, Paulo Bernardo, and Reo Hatate—ultimately failed to deliver the desired spark. The Hoops’ previous meeting with Motherwell had ended in dramatic fashion, with Daizen Maeda’s late goal sealing a 3-2 win, but this time, the tables were turned in spectacular fashion.
The atmosphere at Fir Park was electric from the first whistle, with Motherwell fans sensing an opportunity to finally claim a long-awaited victory over their illustrious visitors. Manager Jens Berthel Askou, whose side had sat fourth in the league and boasted a remarkable defensive record—one goal conceded in their previous eight games—opted for a bold lineup. Notably, Ibrahim Said was handed a rare start through the middle, a tactical masterstroke given the absence of top scorer Tawanda Maswanhise on AFCON duty for Zimbabwe.
The match began with Motherwell on the front foot, pressing high and controlling possession. Celtic’s defense, which had already come under scrutiny for conceding 15 goals in seven games under Nancy, looked shaky from the outset. In the 14th minute, their vulnerability was exposed when Stephen O’Donnell delivered a superb cross from deep. Ibrahim Said, still searching for his first goal in claret and amber after 24 previous appearances, rose to meet the ball and powered a clinical header past Schmeichel to send the home fans into raptures. As the Daily Record described, "Nigerian Said bagged his first goal for the club at the 25th attempt. His header from O’Donnell’s cross was clinical. But his running power caused chaos for the Hoops backline and opened gaps for his team mates to exploit."
Motherwell’s midfield trio of Elliot Watt, Lukas Fadinger, and Callum Slattery were outstanding, linking play with purpose and energy. The Steelmen’s control was evident in the first-half statistics: 50.4% possession, six shots (two on target), and a relentless tempo that left Celtic chasing shadows. Celtic, by contrast, managed just one shot in the entire opening period and failed to trouble Calum Ward in the Motherwell goal.
Wilfried Nancy, under increasing pressure, rang the changes at half-time, introducing Arne Engels, Shin Yamada, and Luke McCowan in hopes of sparking a comeback. But the tactical adjustments did little to stem the tide. Motherwell continued to dominate, with their wide players Johnny Koutroumbis and Tom Sparrow emptying the tank on both flanks. As the minutes ticked by, Celtic’s frustration boiled over, resulting in a flurry of yellow cards for Reo Hatate, Anthony Ralston, Liam Scales, and Auston Trusty.
The decisive moment came midway through the second half. A calamitous error from Kasper Schmeichel, whose distribution had already looked suspect, gifted Motherwell their second goal. The Celtic keeper’s slack pass was intercepted by Arne Engels, and Elliot Watt made no mistake, slotting home to double the lead. The Daily Record’s match report was clear: "Kasper Schmeichel with another howler in a Celtic jersey. A slack pass to Arne Engels is intercepted and Well take full advantage." Watt’s influence throughout the match was immense, earning him man of the match honors for his composure and leadership in midfield.
As the clock wound down, Celtic’s attempts to claw their way back were met with resolute defending from the hosts. Ben Nygren came closest for the visitors, forcing a fine save from Ward, but otherwise, the Hoops looked bereft of ideas and confidence. The home crowd, sensing history in the making, began to "ole" every pass, their celebrations growing louder with each passing minute. When the final whistle sounded, Fir Park erupted—Motherwell had finally done it.
The significance of the result cannot be overstated. Not only did it end a 35-game winless run against Celtic stretching back to a 2-1 victory in Glasgow a decade ago, but it also propelled Motherwell into genuine title contention. With Hearts finishing 2025 on top of the league table and Rangers closing the gap, the Scottish Premiership now boasts a four-way title race, with Motherwell, Celtic, and Rangers all within striking distance. As one BBC Sport Scotland commentator put it, "Whatever happens, we currently have a title challenge on our hands involving more than two teams. Let’s embrace it."
For Celtic, however, the defeat was a hammer blow to their title hopes and a damning indictment of their current form. Five defeats in seven games have left Wilfried Nancy under immense pressure, with questions swirling about his tactical approach, squad rotation, and the team’s defensive frailties. The lack of clean sheets and the apparent disarray at the back have raised serious doubts about their ability to mount a successful title defense. The Hoops’ supporters, many of whom left Fir Park early in frustration, are demanding answers as the club heads into a critical January transfer window.
Motherwell’s triumph was built on organization, belief, and a willingness to seize the moment. Askou’s decision to trust Ibrahim Said paid off handsomely, while Elliot Watt’s influence in midfield was nothing short of inspirational. The Steelmen’s defensive solidity and collective spirit were on full display, and their fans can now dream of a genuine title push as the season enters its decisive phase.
As 2025 draws to a close, Scottish football finds itself in the midst of one of its most competitive and unpredictable title races in years. Hearts, Motherwell, Celtic, and Rangers all have their eyes on the prize, and if tonight’s drama at Fir Park is any indication, the new year promises even more twists and turns. For Motherwell, this victory will be savored for years to come—a night when history was made, and the Steelmen dared to dream.
