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Celtic still on course for domestic treble

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Celtic 2 - 0 Hibernian Daizen Maeda's 27th goal of the season and a stoppage-time strike from Adam Idah kept Celtic's treble dream alive as they edged past Hibernian in a hard-fought Scottish Cup quarter-final. Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park Hibs, without a Scottish Cup win at Celtic Park since 1902, once again left empty-handed after Maeda struck just before half-time to extend the visitors’ misery. The Japan international’s ruthless finish – his 13th goal in as many games – came after Jordan Smith had produced a fine save to deny Nicolas Kuhn, only for Maeda to pounce and rifle the rebound high into the net. It was a moment of redemption for the forward, who had earlier squandered a glorious chance, blazing over the bar when it seemed easier to score. Smith, who recently signed a new deal with Hibs, kept his side in contention with two excellent first-half saves – first tipping away Callum McGregor’s low drive and then reacting sharply to deny Reo Hatate from close...

Celtic prepare for Champions League by thrashing Raith

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 Celtic 5 - 0 Raith Rovers Daizen Maeda hit a landmark 50 goals for Celtic as his stunning hat-trick fired the holders into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a dominant 5-0 victory over Raith Rovers. Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park Brendan Rodgers made sweeping changes, bringing in nine fresh faces to the starting XI, but it was business as usual at Celtic Park as the Hoops extended their formidable unbeaten home run to 32 matches—just one shy of the record set by Gordon Strachan’s 2007 side. Second-half strikes from Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-Jun put Celtic firmly in control before Maeda rounded off his treble, latching onto a superb assist from McCowan. The Japanese forward, who had already bagged a brace before half-time to shatter Raith’s resistance, now boasts 21 goals for the season—proving himself an able replacement for the departed Kyogo Furuhashi, with six goals in his last three outings. More news from the Scottish Cup Celtic’s strength in depth on display I...

Celtic back to winning ways

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Celtic 5 - 1 Aberdeen Celtic took another decisive step towards retaining their title with a dominant victory over Aberdeen in Glasgow. Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park Pre match atmosphere at Celtic Park Brendan Rodgers' side were minutes away from setting a new record of 10 consecutive home league wins without conceding when Shayden Morris grabbed a late consolation for the visitors. It was little more than a flicker of hope on an otherwise bleak evening for Aberdeen, who failed to capitalise on a promising start. Oday Dabbagh squandered a close-range chance, and Kevin Nisbet dragged a shot wide after Kasper Schmeichel’s misplaced pass. Celtic, by contrast, were ruthless. First-half goals from Daizen Maeda, Jota and Callum McGregor effectively settled the contest before the break. Maeda opened the scoring in opportunistic fashion, pouncing on a deflected Arne Engels shot and outpacing Mats Knoester before volleying home—echoing his instinctive finish at Hibernian on Satu...

Scotland: Celtic maintain unbeaten SPL start

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 Livingston 0 - 3 Celtic Four days after their disappointing loss in the Champions League in Rotterdam, Celtic were determined to reaffirm their dominance in domestic competitions.  They faced a close call early on as Bruce Anderson forced a save from Celtic's goalkeeper, Joe Hart, and Scott Pittman's subsequent shot was cleared off the goal line by Callum McGregor. As Brendan Rodgers' team increased their attacking efforts, Daizen Hatate found himself in a promising position to score after receiving a pass from Greg Taylor. Unfortunately for Livingston, Luiyi De Lucas fouled Hatate in the box, resulting in a penalty. The Japanese midfielder's penalty squeezed under the body of Shamal George, marking his first goal of the season. The home team needed to stay competitive, and George made an excellent save to deny another attempt by Maeda. Hart's day came to an abrupt end when Sangare chased a long ball and collided with the goalkeeper outside the penalty area. ...

Celtic back to their best after thrashing Dundee

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Celtic 6 - 0 Dundee Celtic strolled to a dominant 6-0 victory at home to Dundee, restoring their 13-point cushion at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park The Hoops barely had to shift out of second gear in the first half but still went into the break two goals up—Arne Engels converting from the penalty spot before Adam Idah added a second just before half-time. Jota, rewarded with a start after his goal against Motherwell, looked sharp throughout and once again underlined why bringing him back from Rennes was such an exciting piece of business for Celtic. It was his pinpoint cross that set up Daizen Maeda for his first of the night, before the Portuguese winger showed his class by lifting the ball over Trevor Carson to grab his second just minutes into the second half. Click here for more Celtic news Celtic's emphatic win was sealed in style with two stunning long-range strikes—one from Engels and another from substitute Nicolas Kühn—allowi...

Maeda inspires Celtic again

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Celtic 3 - 0 Hearts Daizen Maeda struck twice in Celtic's commanding Scottish Premiership victory over Heart of Midlothian, bringing his season tally to an impressive thirty goals.  Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park The Celtic boss had hinted before the match that both he and the club were eager to extend the Japan international's contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027.  This latest performance served as yet another reminder of why that would be a wise move. Maeda has now scored in eight consecutive league games and shows no sign of slowing down. The forward was at the heart of all three goals and appears almost unstoppable in Scotland at present. A closer look at what happened at Celtic Park Hearts had arrived to this match with some confidence, having lost just twice in their previous fourteen matches. They were aiming to take another step towards securing a top-six place. All eyes were on Viljami Sinisalo, who stepped in for the injured Kasper Schme...

Celtic and Rangers play out classic cup final

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Celtic 3 - 3 Rangers Celtic won 5-4 on penalties The current Scottish champions were pushed to their absolute limits but ultimately prevailed in a dramatic Scottish League Cup final against Rangers, decided by a tense penalty shootout. Author - Sean M After both sides converted their first three penalties, Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz saw his low effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel. Although goalkeeper Jack Butland briefly kept Rangers' hopes alive by scoring their next spot-kick, Daizen Maeda calmly slotted home to secure the trophy for Celtic. The victory came after an epic 3-3 draw following extra time, extending Brendan Rodgers' remarkable record of never losing at Hampden Park. Meanwhile, Rangers manager Philippe Clement is still searching for his first derby win. This triumph also propels Celtic ahead of their old rivals in total silverware won — a milestone not achieved since the 1930s. But those are just the headlines of what was a truly incredible cup final. Whil...

Scotland: Celtic thrash Aberdeen and reach League Cup Final

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Celtic 6 - 0 Aberdeen Daizen Maeda delivered an outstanding performance at Hampden, scoring a hat-trick as Celtic stormed into the Scottish League Cup final with a commanding 6-0 victory, halting Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin's unbeaten season start in dramatic style. Author - Sean M The match began with pre-kick-off pyrotechnics filling the national stadium with smoke, causing a 13-minute delay. Once the view cleared, Brendan Rodgers' team dazzled with a display of sharp, attacking football. Celtic’s momentum started early when Cameron Carter-Vickers powered in a header from Arne Engels' corner. Just three minutes later, the brilliant Maeda sped past defenders to set up his fellow Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi, who confidently drove in Celtic's second goal. Rodgers' side, still undefeated after 13 domestic games this season, added a third before half-time. Nicolas Kuhn split the defence with a sublime pass, allowing Maeda to net his first goal of the eveni...

Celtic begin Scottish Cup defence

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Celtic 2 - 1 Kilmarnock Daizen Maeda’s second-half goal ensured Celtic began their defence of the Scottish Cup with a hard-fought win over Premiership rivals Kilmarnock. Author - Sean M The victory preserved Brendan Rodgers' unbeaten record in this competition across his two spells in charge. However, after an early spell of dominance, his league-leading side were pushed to their limits by a spirited Kilmarnock. Celtic signalled their intent from the first whistle. Within 20 seconds, Nicolas Kuhn raced through but took a heavy touch, colliding with goalkeeper Robbie McCrorie, who had to be replaced by Kieran O’Hara. Despite this setback, Kilmarnock came close to opening the scoring. Fraser Murray won and took a free-kick, his curling effort rattling the crossbar. Moments later, Kuhn surged forward and set up Maeda, but the forward couldn’t convert. Click here to discover more Celtic news and stories from European Super Football What else has been happening across Scotland? ...

Celtic ease to win over bottom side in Scotland

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Celtic 4 - 0 St Johnstone Nicolas Kuhn opened the scoring in the first half, while Kyogo Furuhashi netted a double in the second half, with Daizen Maeda adding a fourth goal.  Author - Sean M A closer look at what happened at Celtic Park It was a largely one-sided affair, with Simo Valakari’s side putting up some resistance early on. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo, and Arne Engels all came close to breaking the deadlock. The opener came from a familiar source. Nicolas Kuhn, receiving the ball from Reo Hatate, cut inside and slotted it home with ease, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. The German forward’s knack for producing key moments in front of goal has been exceptional this season. Moments later, Kuhn nearly struck again, forcing a superb save from Josh Rae as his curling effort seemed destined for the far top corner. Celtic Football Club news and stories St Johnstone made a few changes at half-time and briefly showed signs of improvement, but they couldn’t turn the tide. Pi...

Scotland: Celtic dominant against Aberdeen

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Celtic 4 - 0 Aberdeen An inspiring performance from Reo Hatate helped Celtic earn a dominant win over Aberdeen. Celtic TV Unique Angle | Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen | Celts dominate Dons in Paradise! - YouTube Callum McGregor opened the scoring inside two minutes before Hatate doubled the lead 11 minutes later in a scintillating first 45 minutes from Celtic. The Japanese midfielder would then add a third goal thanks to some sublime individual play with 14 minutes remaining before Liel Abada crashed home a fourth with a minute to play, rounding off a fine afternoon's work for Ange Postecoglou's side. A great start for Celtic Things couldn’t have got off to a better start for Celtic as inside the first two minutes, Callum McGregor gave the Hoops the lead. It was Greg Taylor’s initial cross which was headed clear by Aberdeen, but it only went as far as the skipper lurking on the edge of the box who smashed a low drive into the bottom left corner, despite the efforts of Jay Gorter in g...

Celtic stunned at Easter Road

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Hibernian 2 - 1 Celtic Hibernian continued their impressive form as Josh Campbell’s first-half brace condemned Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic to only their second league defeat of the season. Author - Sean M Stadium - Easter Road Celtic, fresh from a spirited display against Bayern Munich in midweek, struggled to find their rhythm in the opening hour. Their passing was uncharacteristically sloppy, and Hibs’ well-drilled defence coped comfortably with the waves of crosses into their box. Campbell made the most of Celtic’s sluggish start, drilling a low strike into the bottom corner inside two minutes to give the hosts the perfect start. Then, just before the break, he doubled Hibs’ lead with a well-placed header from Martin Boyle’s looping cross. David Gray’s side had chances to put the game beyond doubt, with Kieron Bowie and Lewis Miller both denied by Kasper Schmeichel in what was a commanding all-round display. Celtic, though, inevitably fought back. Daizen Maeda pulled one...

Scotland: Celtic close to another title

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 Kilmarnock 1 - 4 Celtic Celtic are now only seven points away from retaining the Scottish Premiership after a ruthless first-half performance saw them easily win against Kilmarnock. The away raced into a stunning four-goal lead inside 27 minutes against hapless the hapless home side. Some calamitous defending compounded the home side's woe, gifting the league leaders an excess of chances, which were gobbled up by Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Matt O'Riley during a rampant first period. Fraser Murray's back pass was pounced on by Kyogo to open the scoring. Maeda troubled the visitors' advantage with a well-timed header five minutes later. With Kilmarnock in disarray, the killer blow was dealt when O'Riley profited from Joe Wright's mistake, tucking a neat strike inside the post, before being found by a pinpoint Greg Taylor pass and rifling into the far corner. Kyogo also missed a great chance to add to his mounting goal tally when hitting the post from t...

Scotland: No let-up from Celtic in Perth

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St Johnstone 0 - 6 Celtic  Celtic surged to the top of the Scottish Premiership after a resounding 6-0 victory against St Johnstone.  The defending champions initially believed they had scored early on through Daizen Maeda, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a foul in the build-up. A closer look at what happened in Perth Kyogo Furuhashi eventually put the visitors in front with a typical run and finish and Paulo Bernardo completed an excellent move with a fine finish. Kyogo then headed a third in first-half added time and Callum McGregor, Maeda and substitute Adam Idah added more goals in the second period. Brendan Rodgers' side lead Aberdeen on goal difference at the top of the table while Saints are a point above second bottom. Celtic looking unstoppable in Scotland. Positive signs for their Champions League campaign? Celtic made several changes once again in their 5-2 Scottish League Cup victory over Falkirk last week, and it was a similar story in Perth, with the injur...

Celtic close in on another title

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St. Mirren 2 - 5 Celtic Celtic are now just three wins away from retaining their Scottish Premiership title Author - Sean M Stadium - The SMISA Stadium If Celtic can secure victories in their next two league fixtures against second-placed Rangers and Heart of Midlothian, they will head to Perth in early April knowing that a win over St Johnstone would seal a fourth consecutive league title. Celtic were pushed all the way by a determined St Mirren side, who twice pegged them back before Yang Hyun-jun struck twice late on, either side of a superb finish from Daizen Maeda, to secure the points. Japan forward Maeda has now scored 13 goals in his last 12 matches, while South Korean winger Yang – who set him up with a fine assist – is looking like a player transformed. His two-goal cameo may well give Rodgers a selection headache ahead of the next game. Substitutes make the difference as Celtic close in Watch the highlights from the SPFL YouTube It was another commanding performa...

Celtic fans rejoice after memorable Champions League night

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Celtic 3 - 1 RB Leipzig Nicolas Kuhn delivered an outstanding performance, inspiring Celtic to come from behind and secure a thrilling third consecutive Champions League home victory at the lively Celtic Park against Germany's RB Leipzig. Author - Sean M > After a dominant six-goal League Cup win over Aberdeen on Saturday and a tough draw away to Atalanta in the previous matchday, expectations were high for this game, despite Leipzig being the top seeds. Celtic very much delivered in what was probably their best performance in a European match for several years.  How the action unfolded - an unbiased reflection of a wonderful night for Celtic fans We burst onto the pitch with real intent, pressing high and applying pressure from the start. In the opening minute, Reo Hatate’s sharp pass to Daizen Maeda set the tone, and Arne Engels' shot—blocked by the Leipzig defence—signalled Celtic’s ambitions. RB Leipzig, struggling to match Celtic’s pace, nearly saw Kuhn break the dea...

Celtic extend lead at top of the table

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Celtic 4 - 0 Motherwell Celtic maintained their composure despite a shaky start to secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. Author - Sean M Following a frustrating draw at Dundee United on Sunday, the league leaders took time to find their rhythm. The breakthrough came just before the half-time whistle when a collision between Aston Oxborough and Hyunjun Yang earned Celtic a penalty. Arne Engels coolly converted, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner as the Motherwell goalkeeper dived the wrong way. Celtic had the better chances in the first half, with Daizen Maeda’s effort blocked by Oxborough. The Motherwell keeper also had a nervy moment when he nearly turned the ball into his own net, but managed to clear it with the help of his defence. Early in the second half, Celtic survived a scare when Tony Watt inadvertently blocked Tawanda Maswanhise’s shot on Kasper Schmeichel ’s goalline, deflecting it behind. The hosts doubled their lead so...

UCL: A great European night for Celtic

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Celtic 5 - 1 Slovan Bratislava Celtic delivered a commanding performance at a lively Celtic Park to secure their first-ever opening Champions League victory in emphatic fashion, overpowering Slovan Bratislava. In a rare instance where they started as favourites in Europe's top competition, Brendan Rodgers' team produced an energetic and composed display. Liam Scales sent the home crowd into raptures in the 17th minute, heading in Arne Engels' corner. Despite creating several chances before half-time, the Scottish champions couldn’t extend their lead. Kyogo Furuhashi eased any nerves just two minutes into the second half, steering Nicolas Kuhn’s powerful cross into the net, putting fears of missed opportunities to rest. Visit this page for more Celtic news and stories Celtic continued to create chances, and after Alistair Johnston was fouled by Danylo Ihnatenko, the impressive Engels calmly slotted home from the penalty spot for a third. Although Kevin Wimmer's exqui...

Scotland: Celtic ease to win in Glasgow Derby

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Celtic 3 - 0 Rangers Celtic continued their recent dominance in the Glasgow derby with a straightforward win over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. Arriving as strong favourites on their home turf, the champions weathered an early burst of energy from Rangers before reasserting their familiar control. Daizen Maeda calmly finished from close range after a cross from Alistair Johnston, with Rangers caught off guard from a simple throw-in. Earlier, Kyogo had a goal disallowed for offside against Nicolas Kuhn. Still, the Japanese striker soon added to his impressive derby tally with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Rangers were fortunate not to be further behind by half-time and came out with more intensity in the second half. However, Cyriel Dessers squandered a key chance, firing tamely at Kasper Schmeichel when a sharper finish could have reignited the game. The second half was more subdued, with chances for both sides. Kyogo surprisingly hit the side-netting after bein...

Celtic might have to wait another week to clinch title

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St Johnstone 1 - 0 Celtic St Johnstone pulled off a surprise victory over Celtic, denying the reigning champions the chance to wrap up the Scottish Premiership title in front of their home support next weekend. Author - Sean M Stadium - McDiarmid Park Brendan Rodgers’ side knew that a win at McDiarmid Park would have set up the opportunity to clinch a fourth consecutive league crown when they host Kilmarnock on Saturday. But an early thumping header from Daniels Balodis, following a well-delivered free-kick by Graham Carey, gave the hosts a crucial lead. That goal, combined with a resilient defensive display, saw the league’s bottom side move to within five points of Dundee. Celtic could still secure the title next weekend if they beat Kilmarnock and Rangers drop points away to Aberdeen on Sunday. However, Balodis’ first goal for the club has, for now at least, postponed any plans of celebrating on home turf. The early breakthrough seemed to energise the Perth side. While Celti...