This victory moved reigning champions Celtic within two points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, holding a game in hand. Before kick-off, caretaker manager Martin O'Neill confirmed his tenure would extend to Wednesday’s clash against Dundee while the club finalises paperwork for incoming boss Wilfried Nancy. The 73-year-old joked about the delay, admitting he genuinely expected this match to be his farewell.
On the pitch, Celtic secured their sixth win in seven games under O'Neill. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring after Reo Hatate capitalized on a goalkeeper error. Moments later, Arne Engels bravely headed home a second from Hyun-Jun Yang’s cross. Although Marcelo Saracchi hit the post, Hibernian responded after the break. Martin Boyle converted a penalty following a Liam Scales handball, and Chris Cadden forced a late save from Kasper Schmeichel. Elsewhere, leaders Hearts dropped points at Motherwell, tightening the title race significantly as O'Neill prepares for one final appearance.