Scottish Championship final: Celtic break Hearts’ hearts

In front of Celtic’s noble fan Rod Stewart, the Japanese Daizen Maeda (87th) and Callum Osmand (90th + 8) scored the decisive goals for victory and the record championship. The 3-1 captain Lawrence Shakland initially gave Hearts the lead at Celtic Park with his 16th goal of the season (43rd). The Belgian Arne Engels, who moved from FC Augsburg to Celtic in 2024, converted a hand penalty to equalize (45th + 4). The long-time Bundesliga goalkeeper Schwolow had sensed the corner, but the ball slipped under his body.

The second half became more of a defensive battle for Hearts. The Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho initially gave Celtic the lead – he only hit the post (79th). Shortly afterwards, Schwolow directed a shot from Sweden’s Benjamin Nygren over the crossbar (80′). Maeda’s goal was only recognized after a lengthy video review, and Osmand was then able to slot into the abandoned Hearts goal after Schwolow had made his way into Celtic’s penalty area.

The Hearts had already missed their fifth championship title in 1965 and 1986 on the last day of the match. The last Scottish champion that wasn’t called Celtic or Rangers was Aberdeen FC in 1985, who were able to repeat their success from 1984 under Sir Alex Ferguson.