Celtic faced Hibernian on Saturday afternoon at Celtic Park, where the Scottish champions returned home looking to extend their dominance in the league. After an emphatic victory over Dundee United and a hard-fought draw against Rangers at Ibrox, Brendan Rodgers’ side was eager to maintain momentum. Hibernian, managed by David Gray, arrived in Glasgow with ambitions of securing a third-place finish and a spot in European competition.
The match kicked off at 3 PM on May 10, 2025, and both teams were aware of the stakes. Celtic had previously defeated Hibernian in the Scottish Cup in March but were keen to avenge a loss at Easter Road in February, where a controversial VAR decision had marred their performance. With that in mind, Celtic aimed to stamp their authority on the fixture and provide a thrilling show for their home supporters.
However, the day began with some unfortunate news for Celtic as they announced the absence of several key players. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, and Jota were all sidelined, with Jota facing a long recovery period of 6-9 months. Young defender Dane Murray was also out following knee surgery. Despite these setbacks, Celtic welcomed back goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who provided a much-needed boost after a month-long injury layoff. The manager faced a dilemma regarding the starting XI, particularly in goal, where Viljami Sinisalo had been performing admirably in Schmeichel's absence.
Brendan Rodgers opted for a lineup that included Schmeichel in goal, with Anthony Ralston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, and Greg Taylor forming the defense. The midfield featured Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate, while the attack was spearheaded by Adam Idah, Nicolas Kuhn, and Daizen Maeda.
As the match unfolded, Hibernian shocked the home crowd by taking an early lead. In the 25th minute, Martin Boyle capitalized on a defensive error by Trusty, finishing coolly from close range to put Hibs ahead. The visitors, who had come into the match with just two defeats in their last 22 games, seemed poised to upset the champions.
Despite the setback, Celtic responded with determination. They dominated possession and created several chances but struggled to convert. Idah had a couple of opportunities to equalize but failed to find the net. However, the tide turned in the closing minutes of the first half. In the 41st minute, Kuhn rounded Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith to level the score after a well-placed ball from Ralston. Just moments later, Kuhn turned provider, assisting Idah for Celtic's second goal, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
With a 2-1 lead at halftime, Celtic looked to build on their momentum. The second half saw them continue to press Hibernian, and in the 58th minute, Hatate scored his 11th goal of the season, finishing from an Engels pass to extend Celtic's lead to 3-1. The home side’s attacking prowess was on full display, showcasing the depth of their squad even in the absence of several key players.
As the match progressed, Hibernian attempted to mount a comeback but struggled to break through Celtic's solid defense. Schmeichel made crucial saves to deny attempts from Hibs, including efforts from Jordan Obita and substitute Junior Hoilett. The introduction of 18-year-old Sean McArdle for his debut late in the match added to the excitement, as the young midfielder showed promise in his brief appearance.
The match concluded with Celtic securing a 3-1 victory, extending their lead at the top of the Premiership to an impressive 20 points. This win not only solidified their position as champions but also marked another step towards their goal of achieving a sixth Treble in nine years. The performance was a testament to the depth and quality of the squad, with Kuhn, Idah, and Hatate all contributing significantly to the scoreline.
Post-match, Brendan Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly highlighting the resilience shown after conceding the early goal. "It was important for us to respond quickly after going behind, and I thought we did that excellently," he said. The Celtic manager also acknowledged the contributions of the returning Schmeichel and the impact of Kuhn in the attack.
Hibernian, despite the defeat, remained firmly in contention for a European spot, sitting three points above Aberdeen in the race for third place. David Gray's side had shown promise throughout the season, and while this result was a setback, they would look to regroup in their upcoming fixtures.
As the sun set over Celtic Park, the champions celebrated a hard-fought victory that underscored their dominance in Scottish football. With two games remaining in the season, the focus now shifts to maintaining form and preparing for the challenges ahead, including the upcoming Scottish Cup final.
Celtic's next match will see them travel to face Aberdeen, where they will aim to continue their impressive run and build towards a successful conclusion to the season.
