Celtic dominate Hearts with 3-0 victory at Celtic Park

It was a fantastic day for Celtic as they bounced back from derby disappointment with a commanding 3-0 win at home.

Not only did they secure three crucial points, but they also delivered a performance worthy of champions, playing football the Glasgow Celtic way.

Hearts started well in the opening ten minutes, testing debutant Viljami Sinisalo, who was making his first league start for Celtic following Kasper Schmeichel’s serious injury whilst on duty with the Danish national team.

The Finnish goalkeeper was called into action three times, producing crucial saves from Shankland, Kabangu, and Neilson to keep the game level. Sinisalo is a rising star, and who knows—he may yet prove to be a world-class replacement for Schmeichel.

Celtic weathered the early pressure and gradually took control. The first major talking point came when referee Kevin Clancy initially pointed to the penalty spot for a potential handball by a Hearts defender. However, after a VAR review, no foul was given.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute, much to the relief, and delight, of the Celtic Park crowd. Callum McGregor played a superb pass behind the Hearts defence, setting up Daizen Maeda, who finished brilliantly. The Japanese forward, a player of real quality, was unstoppable. Making his 150th appearance for the club, Maeda showed every bit of his class, and justified the manager’s conversation with Dermot Desmond earlier in the week about securing him to a long -term contract.

This game was a warning to our rivals about what they should expect well into the future if Celtic can get that deal done. The Japanese machine isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Less than ten minutes later, Celtic doubled their lead through Jota. Having returned to the club in January, the Portuguese winger wasted no time reminding everyone why he is adored by the fans. His first goal since coming back was an emotional moment, and he has not looked back since. Now, with a new long-term deal in place, Celtic supporters can enjoy watching him for years to come.

That goal was a thing of beauty. Nicolas Kühn, who until Maeda’s recent heroics looked certain to be the player of the year, delivered a delicate lob over the Hearts defence. Maeda’s header hit the inside of the post before rebounding to Jota, who slotted home from close range.

With the game effectively settled by half-time, Maeda struck again in the 41st minute. Reo Hatate, who can be brilliant one week and frustrating the next, executed a perfectly timed challenge at the halfway line before releasing Kühn down the right flank. The German’s precise pass found Maeda, who finished with ease to make it 3-0.

The second half started at a slower tempo, but Celtic still pushed forward in search of more goals.

Jota came close early on, bursting down the left flank before forcing a save from Craig Gordon. Ten minutes later, Callum McGregor—outstanding until his substitution in the 65th minute—let fly from distance, only to be denied again by Gordon.

While the second half had fewer clear-cut chances, Celtic remained dominant, making it difficult for Hearts to get out of their own half. Paulo Bernardo made his return to first-team action, coming on for McGregor, and showed glimpses of his quality as he looked to link up with the attackers.

Another big moment came when James Forrest returned to the pitch after a lengthy injury layoff. The winger, sidelined since December’s League Cup final, received a warm welcome from the Celtic faithful.

Celtic maintained control until the final whistle, securing a crucial three points as they edge closer to the league title and a potential treble. It was a commanding performance, with the only disappointment being a goalless second half. Next up, Brendan Rodgers’ men head to Perth to face St Johnstone—fingers crossed for another strong display.

Celtic Line-up: Sinisalo, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Schlupp, Engels, McGregor (Paulo Bernardo 64′), Hatate (McCowan 81′), Kühn (Hyunjun Yang 72′), Maeda (Idah 71′), Jota (Forrest 81′)

Subs: Taylor, Trusty, Idah, Hyunjun Yang, McCowan, Paulo Bernardo, Bain, Forrest, Ralston

Hearts Line-up: Gordon, Steinwender, Neilson, Milne, Forrester, Devlin (Spittal 71′), Baningime (Kartum 70′), Penrice, Shankland (Grant 71′), Wilson (Nieuwenhof 45′), Kabangu (Forrest 86′)

Subs: Halkett, Grant, Nieuwenhof, Spittal, Forrest, Dhanda, Kartum, Clark, Drammeh