Hibernian secured a stunning victory over Celtic at Easter Road on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the Scottish Premiership as they clinched the match with a score of 2-1. The win was only the second league defeat of the season for the champions, who were still reeling from their dramatic exit from the UEFA Champions League just days prior.
Fans and pundits were left astonished as Hibernian’s Josh Campbell found the net twice before half-time, allowing his team to build a solid lead. The first goal came as early as the second minute, sending the home crowd erupting with joy. Campbell’s cool finish capped off well-coordinated play from the Hibernians who clearly aimed to capitalize on Celtic’s weariness after their taxing match against Bayern Munich.
Simply put, it was the kind of start every home team dreams of. Celtic struggled to regain their usual tempo, with several passes going astray and their structured defense hardly troubling Hibernian’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel. Despite their efforts, Celtic’s attacks were stymied by the organized Hibs backline, prompting frustration among the visiting fans.
Campbell struck again just before halftime, heading home a looping cross from Martin Boyle. This double blow left Celtic trailing at the break, and the visit to Leith quickly turned from routine to grim for the champions.
After the intermission, Celtic made several attempts to fight back. Daizen Maeda finally got one back for Celtic on the 68th minute, reigniting hope for the visitors. It was close; he capitalized on some poor defending before poking the ball home. Yet, the drama didn't end there. Maeda thought he equalized late on, but to the horror of the Celtic fans, the goal was ruled out after lengthy VAR intervention confirmed the ball had gone out of play just before Alistair Johnston's assist.
“Celtic felt they should have taken at least a point from this match,” said one commentator, referencing the palpable disappointment within the Celtic camp following the disallowed goal. Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his discontent at the officiative decisions, particularly the VAR ruling, stating he believed it was too close to call and could easily have gone either way.
“The second half was more of a test of Hibs' grit and defensive mettle, but it was a challenge they stood up to magnificently,” remarked one sports analyst, pointing to the resilience shown by the Hibernians as they defended their lead during the final minutes.
Despite pushing hard, Celtic’s efforts were futile as Hibernian held on for what felt like an iconic win against their rivals. “It’s remarkable to beat Celtic, especially at this stage when they’re the defending champions. This victory gives our guys immense confidence,” said Hibs manager, David Gray, reflecting on the significance of the win.
Now, Hibernian finds themselves unbeaten over the last 13 games, marking them out as serious competitors for the season. It is fair to say this victory may well redefine the dynamics within the league, especially since Celtic were on such solid form prior to this match.
With only two losses to show for their efforts this season and still sitting atop the Scottish Premiership, Celtic may be feeling the pressure to rebound quickly. Their next encounter against Aberdeen will be pivotal, testing both their resilience and response to adversity.
For Hibernian, the victory over Celtic not only boosts their morale but also solidifies their aim for European qualification. The confidence gained from this match might just propel them forward as they continue their campaign.
Saturday's match served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, as the underdogs triumphed over the giants, creating fresh talking points for fans, clubs, and analysts across football discussions. The stakes remain high as the season progresses and both teams look to assert their strengths heading forward.
This win will likely remain etched in the memories of Hibernian supporters, showcasing the potential for upsets even when facing the might of Celtic. It’s proof positive—on any day, anything can happen on the pitch.