Celtic Park erupted with energy as the Hoops maintained their formidable home record with a commanding 3-0 victory over Hibernian.
In a game that showcased Celtic’s attacking prowess, the reigning champions combined clinical finishing with defensive resilience to cement their status as Scotland’s team to beat.
First Half: Celtic Dominate, Hibs Waste Opportunities
The opening 45 minutes were a tale of Celtic’s attacking dominance and Hibernian’s missed opportunities. Hibs began brightly, pressing the Hoops and creating early chances.
Mykola Kuharevich had the best opportunity for the visitors, breaking through on goal, but Kasper Schmeichel produced a superb save to deny him.
Celtic soon punished Hibs for their wastefulness. A precise move down the right flank saw Alistair Johnston link up with Nicolas Kühn, whose delivery found Arne Engels in the box. The midfielder, restored to the starting XI, calmly slotted home to give the hosts a deserved lead.
However, Celtic’s inability to extend their advantage left the home crowd frustrated. Adam Idah missed a sitter from three yards, attempting an audacious backheel that went wide after a superb cross from Kühn.
Despite the missed chances, Celtic controlled possession, with Callum McGregor orchestrating play from midfield and the full-backs providing attacking width.
Hibs squandered another golden opportunity before halftime when Joe Newell blasted over the bar. As the teams went into the break, Hibs were fortunate to trail by only a single goal.
Second Half: Celtic Raise the Tempo
Celtic came out after the interval with renewed purpose. Brendan Rodgers introduced James Forrest for Nicolas Kühn, adding creativity and pace to the attack.
The change paid off almost immediately, with Celtic intensifying their pressure and pinning Hibs back.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute, albeit in fortuitous circumstances. Adam Idah’s header from a Luke McCowan corner deflected off Hibs captain Joe Newell and into the net, giving Celtic a 2-0 lead. It was a reflection of Celtic’s relentless dominance as they pressed the visitors into mistakes.
Hibs attempted to respond, with Élie Youan and Nicky Cadden forcing Schmeichel into action. The Danish keeper, however, remained impenetrable, pulling off a string of fine saves to preserve his clean sheet.
Kyogo’s Moment of Magic
Celtic put the result beyond doubt in the 84th minute with a moment of brilliance from Kyogo Furuhashi.
James Forrest, lively after his introduction, slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to Kyogo, who controlled it expertly before dinking it over Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith.
It was a goal of sublime quality, marking Kyogo’s eighth of the season and sealing the 3-0 victory.
Tactical Changes and Squad Depth
Rodgers utilised his squad effectively, bringing on Kyogo and Yang Hyun-Jun for Idah and Daizen Maeda midway through the second half. The fresh legs kept Celtic’s tempo high, with Yang nearly adding a fourth goal after a dazzling solo run.
Further substitutions saw Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate introduced to maintain control in midfield. Celtic’s depth was evident as the substitutes seamlessly integrated, ensuring the team’s intensity and fluidity remained intact.
For Hibs, Martin Boyle’s pace posed a brief threat, but the visitors lacked the cutting edge to break down Celtic’s well-organised defence.
Schmeichel’s Leadership at the Back
While Celtic’s attack stole the headlines, Kasper Schmeichel’s contribution was equally vital.
The experienced keeper delivered a masterclass in shot-stopping, denying Hibs on multiple occasions and providing calm assurance at the back.
His saves from Kuharevich and Youan were crucial in keeping Celtic in control.
Final Thoughts: Celtic March On
When the final whistle blew, the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Celtic’s superiority. While Hibs had their moments, their wastefulness in front of goal and inability to handle Celtic’s relentless pressure proved costly.
This victory keeps Celtic comfortably atop the Premiership table and extends their unbeaten home run. With a crucial Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb looming, Rodgers will be pleased with both the result and the performance.
Celtic’s ability to rotate the squad while maintaining high standards highlights their depth and tactical versatility. As the Hoops continue their pursuit of domestic and European success, performances like this reaffirm their dominance in Scottish football.
