Celtic restored their four-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership by defeating bottom-placed Hibernian 2–1 at Easter Road, courtesy of Camilo Duran’s tenth goal of the season.
Camilo Duran Scores as Kasper Hogh Struggles
- Camilo Duran continues to press his claim as Celtic’s primary centre-forward, scoring his tenth of the campaign.
- The £11m forward Kasper Hogh drew another blank, dampening his roster appeal and fueling speculation regarding his spot in Martin O’Neill’s starting XI.
- Hibs’ Relegation Battle: Rooted at the foot of the table without a league win since August, Hibernian’s defensive frailties offer reliable streaming value for opposing attackers.
Early Drama and Rapid Responses at Easter Road
Martin O’Neill sought an immediate reaction following Celtic’s midweek Europa League defeat to Celta Vigo. However, the champions suffered a setback when Owen Elding fired Hibernian ahead just three minutes into the fixture. Joe Newell delivered a quick free-kick that caught the Celtic backline napping, allowing Elding to convert from seven yards past Sam Johnstone.
The lead lasted mere moments. Celtic hit back in the fifth minute when Benjamin Nygren delivered an inswinging corner that Jason Kerr inadvertently headed past his own goalkeeper, Raphael Sallinger, with no visiting players in the vicinity.
Celtic equalise from a corner-kick. 🥬 1-1 ⚪️ | 6'
Duran Settles the Contest Before the Interval
Kasper Hogh, restored to the starting line-up, squandered multiple opportunities to put the visitors ahead. Sallinger produced a brilliant stop to deny Hogh from close range, while Thibault Klidje missed a chance for Hibs by lifting his lob over the bar.
Celtic punished that miss just before halftime. Marko Ivezic intercepted a pass near the edge of the area, but the loose ball fell kindly to Duran. The striker drove forward and lashed an emphatic strike past Sallinger in the 43rd minute, registering his tenth goal of the season.
Celtic Secure Ninth Win While Alistair Johnston Suffers Injury
The victory secured Celtic’s ninth win in 10 Premiership matches, leaving recently appointed Hibs manager Marink Reedijk with three straight defeats since succeeding David Gray.
Conversely, O’Neill labeled the result Celtic’s “best win of the season” given the testing conditions and early deficit. Yet the afternoon was marred by fitness concerns. Substitute Alistair Johnston lasted barely 20 minutes on his return from injury before he had to go off.
✊ Thanks for your support today, Celts!Safe travels home! 💚#HIBCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/NOvQZy1sew
| Team | Recent Premiership Form | League Position |
|---|---|---|
| Celtic | (9 wins in last 10) | 1st (Four points clear) |
| Hibernian | (Winless since August) | Bottom |
More on Camilo Duran
🎙️ Goalscorer Camilo Durán reacts to today's win at Easter Road#HIBCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/Gd62XTuuxW
🗣️ Marink Reedijk reflects on this afternoon's @WilliamHill Premiership match against Celtic at Easter Road pic.twitter.com/gBAFRJlakJ
