Hearts' Title Bid Stays Alive After Late Point Against Celtic
A dramatic 1-1 draw at Tynecastle Park saw Hearts move four points clear of title rivals Rangers, thanks to a late equalizer from Stuart Findlay. Despite being outplayed for much of the contest, the Scottish Premiership leaders secured a crucial point that keeps their championship hopes alive.
The match got off to a frenetic start, with Celtic taking the lead through Benjamin Nygren's free-kick. However, Hearts responded well, with debutant Marc Leonard playing a key role in equalizing just before halftime. The Birmingham loanee dragged Nygren down outside the area, and his teammate took the subsequent free-kick. But Hearts goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was equal to it, denying the visitors.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances but neither able to find a winner. Just when it seemed like Celtic were going to hold on for the three points, Stuart Findlay popped up with a header in the 90th minute to level the score.
However, Hearts' hopes of coming from behind twice were dealt a blow just before the end. Auston Trusty was sent off for a clear red card, and his absence seemed to tell as Braga finally broke through when Sabah Kerjota's cross landed at goalkeeper Schmeichel's feet.
But it was too little, too late for Celtic, who had come from behind twice in this very same fixture just weeks ago. The visitors' vulnerability at set pieces ultimately proved their downfall once again, with Claudio Braga scoring the winner in stoppage time to seal a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Hearts.
Manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged that his side were fortunate to escape with a point, but he was still proud of his team's performance. "We knew at one minute to three today that we had a tough time and we still have a tough time because another game has gone past, but we're still in it," he said.
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Derek McInnes remains confident that his side can catch up with Hearts in the title chase. "We are confident and enjoying where we are... But we are well aware that some big clubs are desperate to be where we are and so we have to keep improving."
A dramatic 1-1 draw at Tynecastle Park saw Hearts move four points clear of title rivals Rangers, thanks to a late equalizer from Stuart Findlay. Despite being outplayed for much of the contest, the Scottish Premiership leaders secured a crucial point that keeps their championship hopes alive.
The match got off to a frenetic start, with Celtic taking the lead through Benjamin Nygren's free-kick. However, Hearts responded well, with debutant Marc Leonard playing a key role in equalizing just before halftime. The Birmingham loanee dragged Nygren down outside the area, and his teammate took the subsequent free-kick. But Hearts goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was equal to it, denying the visitors.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances but neither able to find a winner. Just when it seemed like Celtic were going to hold on for the three points, Stuart Findlay popped up with a header in the 90th minute to level the score.
However, Hearts' hopes of coming from behind twice were dealt a blow just before the end. Auston Trusty was sent off for a clear red card, and his absence seemed to tell as Braga finally broke through when Sabah Kerjota's cross landed at goalkeeper Schmeichel's feet.
But it was too little, too late for Celtic, who had come from behind twice in this very same fixture just weeks ago. The visitors' vulnerability at set pieces ultimately proved their downfall once again, with Claudio Braga scoring the winner in stoppage time to seal a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Hearts.
Manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged that his side were fortunate to escape with a point, but he was still proud of his team's performance. "We knew at one minute to three today that we had a tough time and we still have a tough time because another game has gone past, but we're still in it," he said.
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Derek McInnes remains confident that his side can catch up with Hearts in the title chase. "We are confident and enjoying where we are... But we are well aware that some big clubs are desperate to be where we are and so we have to keep improving."
, but at the same time, I think Hearts got away with a lucky point 
. Stuart Findlay's header was such a fluke goal, but you can't deny the drama of it all! On the other hand, Auston Trusty's red card was completely justified - he had to go 
. But still, that late Braga winner is going to haunt Celtic's dreams for weeks... or maybe they'll just shrug it off like pros 
. Anyway, it's Hearts' title bid staying alive, which is pretty cool I guess 
. Can Rangers keep up the pressure? 
! i think hearts got lucky, like they were expected to win but Celtic came back twice already this season 
. Auston Trusty's red card was a major blow tho 
. on the other hand, Celtic just couldn't capitalize on their chances 
. i think Hearts' title hopes are still alive but they need to step up their game next week 
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findlay's header in the 90th min was pure magic 
and braga's winning goal was just cruel... i mean what can you do when u just don't get breaks lol?! anyway cant wait for the next match between hearts & rangers, its gonna be epic 
. I mean, the guy was supposed to be calm and composed under pressure, and instead he loses his cool and gets a red card.
. And let's give credit where credit is due, Celtic were outplayed for most of the game, and their set piece vulnerability ultimately cost them the win 
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they got a lucky point but that draw is massive for them. i dont think celtic can afford to drop points like that, especially with braga coming back into the mix 
️ rangers should be worried tho, this just means they have to keep putting pressure on hearts. gotta see how the rest of the season plays out 
. They've come from behind twice in this exact same fixture just weeks ago, which shows they're adaptable. Plus, Braga's equalizer was super lucky - it landed at Schmeichel's feet, no need to panic. 
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. And don't even get me started on how vulnerable they were at set pieces 
. And can you believe Auston Trusty got sent off? That's just harsh 
. I mean, I get that Hearts want to win the title, but sending someone off like that doesn't help. But hey, they still managed to sneak away with a point so I guess it's all good for now 
. Rangers are still in this, though, so we'll see how that plays out. Should be interesting! 
I mean, I love a good underdog story as much as the next guy, but come on Hearts! You guys are like the lovable losers of the Scottish Premiership. First, you drop points at home against Rangers, and then you go out and get a draw against Celtic? 
It's like you're giving them (and us, let's be real) whiplash with all these back-and-forth matches.
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. Can someone just tell me what's going on?! 
First, Celtic is cruising 1-0 up but then Hearts come back strong just before halftime. And let's be real, Stuart Findlay is the real MVP here 
- that header in the 90th minute was pure magic! 
But then Auston Trusty gets sent off and suddenly it's all about Braga breaking through... 
the fact that they were outplayed for most of it and still came away with something is just incredible. and i feel bad for celts, they had them twice coming back from behind already this season 
but at least hearts are still in contention for the title! 
anyway, rangers need to step it up if they wanna catch hearts - 4 points is a big gap 
, can't believe they just sent off their own guy Auston Trusty for a red card and it cost them the game. I mean, come on!