The Scottish Premiership witnessed a shocking twist as the league leaders, Celtic, stumbled against an energetic Hibernian side. This match on February 22, 2025, wasn't just another day in the office for Brendan Rodgers' squad. Despite their seemingly comfortable position at the top with a 13-point advantage over the Rangers, the defeat exposed cracks that the Hibs exploited brilliantly.
It was Josh Campbell who led the charge for Hibernian, finding the back of the net twice in the first half. The first blow came as early as the second minute, setting the stage for what would become one of the season's most unexpected outcomes. Campbell struck again in the dying moments of the first half, cushioning Hibs' lead and putting Celtic in a difficult position heading into the break.
Resilience and Controversy
Despite a late rally from Celtic, propelled by an energy boost from Daizen Maeda who scored in the 68th minute, the comeback they hoped for never materialized. The goal that could have salvaged a point for Celtic remained elusive, thanks particularly to a piece of technology. A VAR intervention wiped out what seemed to be the equalizing goal, arguing that the ball went out of play just before the critical pass. The controversy left fans and players alike in heated debate.
Hibernian's victory was not simply down to luck. Their unbeaten run, now stretching to 13 games since they last faced defeat against Celtic in December, speaks volumes about the team's growing confidence and defensive cohesion. They were shielded by Jordan Smith's sharp goalkeeping and Rocky Bushiri's impeccable goal-line saves, essential factors that kept the Celtic giants at bay.
The defeat accentuated Celtic's post-European fatigue. The transition from engaging continental titans like Bayern Munich back to domestic duties is proving tougher perhaps than expected. While they still hold a sizable lead over their Old Firm rivals, performances like these will perhaps lead Rodgers to re-evaluate his squad's focus and resilience in coming fixtures.
12 Comments
Sally Sparrow March 5 2025
Hibernian's win is a textbook case of a high‑press strategy exploiting Celtic's complacency. The early two‑minute goal shattered any illusion of control, and the second half saw Rodgers' side scrambling like a rookie. VAR's intervention, while technically correct, only highlighted the lack of composure in Celtic's finishing. One could argue that the league leaders have become too comfortable on the back foot, allowing a mid‑table side to dictate the tempo. In short, the defeat should serve as a wake‑up call before the title race tightens.
Eric Yee March 8 2025
Yo, that press was fire and Celtic just got steamrolled, no doubt. They looked like they were playing a different game, they couldn't keep up. Hibs showed they got the juice and rode that wave all night.
Sohila Sandher March 11 2025
Definatly a massive confidence boost for the Hibs squad. Keep the grit and keep pushin, you never know when ya’ll can pull off another giant‑kill. Celtic needs to remember they’re not invincible.
Anthony Morgano March 14 2025
Absolutely love the optimism! Hibs have proven they can step up when it matters 😊. As a fellow fan, I think this will spark a solid run for them.
Holly B. March 17 2025
Hibernian have demonstrated commendable resilience and tactical discipline. Celtic should reflect on their short‑term lapses and address them promptly.
Lauren Markovic March 20 2025
Just a heads‑up, Hibs' unbeaten streak now sits at 13 games, the longest run since their 2020 campaign. Their defensive stats have improved dramatically – only 0.9 goals conceded per game in the last six matches. 🔍
Kathryn Susan Jenifer March 23 2025
Oh wow, Celtic finally got a taste of reality – who could have seen that coming? The drama was as thin as the VAR’s decision, and the Hibs fans must be on cloud nine. Someone hand them a trophy already.
Jordan Bowens March 26 2025
What a fluke.
Kimberly Hickam March 28 2025
When one examines the ontological implications of a mid‑table team dismantling a hegemonic entity, the narrative extends beyond mere sport into the realm of existential symbolism. Hibernian's triumph, anchored by Campbell's early precision, challenges the deterministic view that league leaders are predestined to dominate. It is, in essence, a microcosm of chaos theory, where a singular perturbation – a goal in the second minute – cascades into a systemic reconfiguration of momentum. The psychological inertia that Celtic appeared to suffer underscores the fragility of confidence when confronted with unexpected adversity. Moreover, the VAR decision, while procedural, serves as a reminder that technological arbiters are not infallible custodians of fairness but extensions of human interpretation. This interplay of human agency and machine mediation creates a feedback loop that can amplify perceived injustices. From a tactical standpoint, Hibs' high‑press forced Celtic into low‑percentage passes, thereby increasing the probability of errors. The defensive solidity, epitomized by Smith's shot‑stopping and Bushiri's reflexes, illustrates the value of composure under duress. Concurrently, the fatigue post‑European fixtures is not merely physiological but also cognitive, eroding decision‑making acuity. Rodgers' selection choices, especially the reliance on Maeda as a late spark, reveal a reactive rather than proactive approach. Historically, teams that succumb to such upsets often undergo a period of introspection that catalyzes structural reforms. The broader lesson for Celtic is to diversify their tactical repertoire, integrating resilience training into daily regimens. In the grand tapestry of the Scottish Premiership, this match may be cited as a turning point, a reminder that dominance is never absolute. Ultimately, football, as with any competitive endeavor, is governed by the principle that the only constant is change, and Hibernian embodied that axiom perfectly.
Gift OLUWASANMI March 31 2025
One must concede that your exposition, while verbose, skirts the palpable reality: Hibs simply outclassed Celtic on the day, no philosophical gymnastics required.
Keith Craft April 3 2025
Alas, the night the heavens wept for Celtic, and the earth sang for Hibernian! The stadium echoed with the cries of shattered dreams, a symphony of despair that shall haunt the lads for weeks!
Kara Withers April 6 2025
I hear your passion, Keith, and I agree the atmosphere was intense. Yet, it’s also an opportunity for both clubs to grow and reconnect with their supporters.