Celtic 3 – 1 Rangers

Daizen Maeda scored a superb Old Firm goal as Celtic came from behind to beat Rangers 3-1 at Celtic Park and move within a point of Hearts at the top of the Premiership.

Celtic knew a win would close the gap on Derek McInnes’ side After the leaders drew with Motherwell on Saturday eveningBut they couldn’t get off to the start they wanted as Mickey Moore put the visitors ahead in the opening 10 minutes.

However, Hyun-Jun Young’s quickfire equalizer brought the home team back on level terms and in the second half Maeda put his side in front before giving Celtic the clear with an audacious overhead kick that left Parkhead in disbelief.

The result leaves a Premiership title win in Celtic’s hands – if they win their remaining two games, away to Motherwell on Wednesday and then against leaders Hearts on the final day, they will retain their title.

As expected, the game started at a frantic pace as both sides exchanged chances early on.

Arne Engels called Jack Butland into action with a curling shot from range that the keeper could only punch away. At the other end, Moore fed Youssef Chermiti, who dragged a fine effort wide of the far post.

The visitors, however, started well, and got the opener after some persistent play from Chermity, who made a ragged run at Aston Trusty in the early stages. He charged forward after Celtic relinquished possession before his shot was blocked, the ball rolling forward into the path of Moore, who slotted home from close range.

The visitors were the rising team, with the game pulled for an earlier foul before Moore cleared the line with another effort.

Maeda almost pulled Celtic level when he won a battle with Emmanuel Fernandez but could only curl his effort over the post. Celtic did not have to wait long for the leveller.

Luke McCowan’s superbly weighted pass found Engels running into the Rangers box and his cutback was dispatched by Young. VAR had a look for a possible offside but the goal stood.

In the second half it became the Maeda show as Celtic picked up the pace. Kieran Tierney played well past Celtic’s James Tavernier in the box from the left-hand side, and the Japanese forward slotted the ball into the net from in front of Fernandez.

Then came the moment that left the stadium in disbelief.

Sebastian Tunecki’s cross was only partially blocked, allowing Maeda to send the ball into the top corner from 15 yards with an overhead kick that went past Butland with no chance.

After falling further behind, Rangers controlled the ball, but to no avail. The visitors looked toothless in attack, coming on late on when substitute Bojan Miovski hit the bar, but the hosts were never put under any real pressure.

Danny Rohl became the first Rangers manager since Dick Advocate in 2000 to lose three consecutive games. Their season is over and third place is assured.

However, for Celtic, they head to Motherwell on Wednesday evening basking in the glow of an Old Firm win, knowing their title dreams are very much alive.

What’s coming up in the Scottish Premiership?