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.