What a finish! In one of the most dramatic final days in Scottish Premiership history, Celtic stormed back from a goal down to defeat Hearts 3-1 at a rocking Celtic Park, leapfrogging their opponents at the absolute death to clinch the league title.

The victory marks a monumental milestone for the Glasgow giants:

  • A historic 56th league title, officially moving them past Rangers for the most total league championships in Scottish history.

  • Their 14th title in 15 years and a fifth consecutive crown.

  • A legendary comeback masterminded by interim boss Martin O’Neill, who steadied a turbulent season to lift his first Celtic title since 2005.

How the Drama Unfolded: From Despair to VAR Delirium

Celtic entered the final day knowing only a win would do. However, tension reached a boiling point just before halftime when Hearts' Lawrence Shankland powered home a header from a Stephen Kingsley corner in the 43rd minute.

The stadium breathed a collective sigh of relief deep into first-half stoppage time. Kieran Tierney’s cross struck the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis, allowing Arne Engels to coolly convert from the penalty spot to level the sides.

The second half was a agonizing war of attrition until the final three minutes, when the title race completely exploded:

  • 87th Minute: Daizen Maeda turned in Callum Osmand’s cross. The linesman's flag initially broke Celtic hearts, but a tense VAR review overturned the offside, sending Celtic Park into absolute pandemonium.

  • Stoppage Time: With Hearts keeper Alexander Schwolow stranded upfront in a desperate bid to equalize, Osmand intercepted the ball, racing clear from his own half to roll it into an empty net to seal the 3-1 victory.

The Iheanacho Effect: A Record-Breaking Debut Campaign

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho may have started on the bench, but his introduction was the catalyst for Celtic’s late, relentless surge. The 29-year-old pinned Hearts back, even rattling the base of the post just before the decisive breakthrough.

Despite a season plagued by recurring hamstring injuries, Iheanacho’s impact on this title charge cannot be overstated:

Stat Kelechi Iheanacho's Debut Season
Appearances 22
Goals 8
Points Won 8 points directly secured by his goals
Club Milestone Highest-scoring Nigerian player in Celtic history

Just days prior, it was Iheanacho’s nerves of steel—a 98th-minute penalty winner against Motherwell—that kept Celtic's title hopes alive to make this final-day fairytale possible.

What’s Next for Celtic and Iheanacho?

The celebrations will have to be short-lived. Celtic’s attention now turns to Hampden Park, where they face Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final with a domestic double firmly in their sights.

As for Iheanacho, the Nigerian international confirmed before kick-off that talks regarding his future at the club will commence immediately after the season concludes. Armed with a winner's medal and a legendary status in the folklore of this 56th title, his bargaining chips couldn't be stronger.