Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, came in as a substitute as Celtic FC came from the back to defeat Heart 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership 2025/26 match on Saturday 16 May, 2026 at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
The victory on home turf handed the Celts their fifth consecutive Premiership title as they netted twice late in the showdown to emerge victorious.
Celtic kicked off brilliantly and came close to netting their opener early when Auston Trusty headed over from close range inside the opening three minutes.
The Bhoys were in charge for long periods of the first 45 minutes, however, Hearts were perilous on the counter and created several goal chances through Lawrence Shankland and Pierre Landry Kabore.
On two (2) occasions, Shankland went close midway through the opening period. He headed narrowly wide in his first attempt from a cross by Harry Milne, and releasing for Kabore for two (2) different efforts that directed off target.
The home side fought really hard to convert their control over the game into clear opportunities, and after fine work from Arne Engels, Sebastian Tounekti’s effort forced a routine save from Alexander Schwolow.
Finally, it was the visitors that netted the first goal in the 43rd minute with Stephen Kingsley launching an inviting corner into the six-yard box and Shankland rose highest to nod past Celts goalkeeper, Viljami Sinisalo. It was a surprise lead for Hearts.
However, Hearts’ joy was short-lived as Celtic restored parity almost immediately. In the 4th minute of first half additional time, Engels stepped up to level for the hosts from the penalty spot.
Celtic won the penalty after Yang Hyun-Jun’s free-kick struck the hand of Alexandros Kyziridis inside the penalty area.
The Bhoys heightened pressure on Hearts in the second half as they recorded missed efforts. Daizen Maeda headed over from close range, while, Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels both missed goal opportunities as manager Martin O’Neill’s side kept on searching for a winner.
Also, the visitors wanted all three (3) points and searched for the winner, and nearly regained the lead through Alan Forrest, whose effort was saved by Sinisalo.
Super Eagles star, Iheanacho’s effort towards the end of the second half struck the post from distance, but, in the 87th minute, Celtic went in front with their second through Maeda.
Via X, Celtic described, Iheanacho, former Manchester City forward, as a “serial winner”.
Maeda’s goal suffered a long check by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for potential offside, but, it was eventually allowed; and in the 8th minute of additional time, Callum Osmand, who assisted Maeda’s goal, found the third to seal victory for the Celts. Osmand struck the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1 for Celtic.
On Iheanacho, Celtic wrote: “Senior Man, Serial Winner”.
CHAMPIONS AGAIN!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 16, 2026
🏆 Celtic are crowned Champions of Scotland for the FIFTH season in a row!
Huge congratulations to Martin O’Neill and the Bhoys
#Champion5 | #CelticFC🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/IoZTsGuvLH
Photo: Kelechi Iheanacho and teammates lift the Scottish Premiership trophy folllowing a 3-1 victory over Hearts in the top flight match at Celtic Park on Saturday | Celtic Football Club/X
