Celtic maintained their push at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 2-1 away win over Hibernian at Easter Road on 25 October 2026. The visitors controlled much of the ball and created the clearer chances, but they were made to work hard for the points by a Hibernian side that equalised before Celtic found a late winner.

Celtic take the points in Edinburgh

Celtic began the match with the authority expected of a title-chasing side, dominating possession and forcing Hibernian into a deep defensive shape. Their patience was rewarded when a flowing move opened up the home defence and a low finish gave the visitors the lead. At that point, the game looked like it might follow a familiar pattern.

Hibernian, however, refused to fold. The home side grew into the contest by pressing higher and attacking with greater directness. Their equaliser came from a well-worked move that caught Celtic slightly exposed at the back, and Easter Road responded with renewed energy. For a spell after the goal, the match was finely balanced.

The decisive moment arrived in the closing stages. Celtic increased the tempo, moved the ball quickly around the edge of the box, and found the winning goal with a finish that gave the Hibernian goalkeeper no chance. Hibernian pushed for a second equaliser in the final minutes, but Celtic managed the game well and held on for an important away victory.

Key moments

• Celtic opener: A patient attacking move ended with a low finish and gave the visitors an early advantage.
• Hibernian equaliser: The home side responded with a direct attack and drew level, lifting the Easter Road crowd.
• Late winner: Celtic found the decisive goal in the closing stages after sustained pressure around the Hibernian box.
• Final resistance: Hibernian pushed forward late, but Celtic defended their lead with composure.

Tactical battle

Celtic’s game was built on possession and quick circulation. They looked to pull Hibernian’s midfield out of shape and create space for runners between the lines. The visitors’ full-backs played high, allowing them to sustain pressure, though that also left some room for Hibernian to counter-attack.

Hibernian’s best moments came when they won the ball back and attacked quickly. Their equaliser showed the value of direct running and early passes into the forward areas. Defensively, they worked hard to limit Celtic’s clear sights of goal, but the quality of Celtic’s final-third play eventually told. The visitors’ ability to raise the intensity late in the match was the difference between one point and three.

Standout players

Celtic’s midfield dictated the rhythm of the game, winning second balls and keeping the team on the front foot. The wide attackers were a constant threat, particularly as the match opened up in the second half. Hibernian’s goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the score level for as long as possible, while the home captain led by example in the centre of the pitch.

For Hibernian, the performance offered encouragement even in defeat. They matched Celtic for long periods and showed the kind of attacking intent that will be needed in the race for a top-six place. The challenge now is to turn spirited displays into points more consistently.

Scottish Premiership impact

The result strengthens Celtic’s position in the Scottish Premiership table and keeps them on course in the title race. Away fixtures at Easter Road are rarely comfortable, and coming through a tight contest with three points is exactly the kind of result that matters over the course of a season.

Hibernian remain with work to do, but the fixture list offers opportunities to respond. The Edinburgh side will look back on the equalising spell as proof that they can compete with the league’s strongest teams. In the end, though, Celtic’s greater cutting edge in the final minutes settled a match that was far closer than the possession statistics might suggest.