Celtic secured an incredible title lifeline as Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversially awarded 99th-minute penalty earned a win at Motherwell that leaves them a point behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts before the sides meet in Glasgow on Saturday.
Martin O’Neill’s side had recovered from Motherwell’s opener to lead just before the hour, only for their hosts to level in the 85th minute.
At that stage, the defending champions would have needed to beat Hearts by three goals at Celtic Park on the final day to retain their title.
But, deep into injury time, Celtic defender Auston Trusty went down claiming he had been caught by a stray elbow. Referee John Beaton was sent to the monitor and ultimately awarded a spot-kick for handball.
Iheanacho kept his composure to roll in the penalty, spark chaotic scenes and leave Celtic knowing that a win of any kind on Saturday will make them champions.
This season has delivered undiluted drama and it did not stop here. The pace was unrelenting. The atmosphere electric. The stakes enormous. The ending will be talked about for years to come.
Motherwell, who had previously only lost twice at Fir Park this season – both to Falkirk – looked in control early on and profited in pursuit of their European dream.
That inched closer when Elliot Watt’s volley seemed to take a small nick off Trusty and evade goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
Soon after, Hearts took the lead and were title winners as it stood. But one thing Celtic have shown this term is resilience and again so it was again here.
As in the weekend win over Rangers, Daizen Maeda was key. A sliding challenge diverted the ball into his path and he fired in brilliantly off the post to level.
Six goals in four top-six matches is outstanding – more so given the context of this incredible title race.
Arne Engels struck the bar after Calum Ward bundled into Maeda but, just as Motherwell seemed to have gathered themselves again, Benjamin Nygren produced yet another vital goal.
The Swede gathered on the edge of the area and fired a tremendous strike into the top corner.
Motherwell responded, though, and hunted for a leveller. Tom Sparrow’s shot deflected onto the bar; Tawanda Maswanhise was denied on the follow up; Sinisalo thwarted Elijah Just.
Liam Gordon would not be repelled, though, slotting home after Maswanhise was twice denied.
That seemed to have handed the initiative to Hearts but somehow Celtic got out of jail and Iheanacho stayed cool to ensure the title somehow remains in his side’s hands.
