Hibernian vs Celtic Match Recap - Nov 30, 2025

Celtic's Dominance Continues as Hibernian Stumbles in a 2-1 Defeat

Celtic's relentless pursuit of the Premiership title remains unscathed after a decisive 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority. The win solidifies Celtic's position in the league, now sitting second with 23 points from 11 matches, while Hibernian's inconsistency continues to haunt them, leaving them in third place with 18 points from 12 matches.

Celtic's Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels emerged as the heroes of the match, scoring within a minute of each other in the first half. This duo has been instrumental in Celtic's recent success, with Maeda continuing his impressive form after netting in the previous match against Kilmarnock. His ability to find space and convert chances has made him a key player for Brendan Rodgers' side. Engels, who has been a consistent presence in midfield, added to his growing reputation with a well-timed finish that showcased his attacking instincts.

Hibernian's Martin Boyle managed to convert a penalty in the second half, providing a glimmer of hope for his team. However, this solitary goal was not enough to change the tide of the match. Boyle's performance has been a bright spot for Hibernian this season, as he leads the team with eight goals. Yet, despite his efforts, the team has struggled to maintain momentum, particularly following their disappointing loss to Motherwell just days prior.

Celtic's recent form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five matches. Their only setback came against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, but they bounced back with a strong performance against Feyenoord prior to this match. The team's ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities has been evident, averaging nearly 10 shots on goal per game. This attacking mindset was on full display against Hibernian, as they dominated possession and consistently threatened the opposition's defense.

Hibernian's recent performances tell a different story. After a promising win against Dundee, they faltered against Motherwell and struggled to find their rhythm against Celtic. Their inability to convert chances into goals has been a recurring theme, as evidenced by their low shot count in recent matches. The contrast between their attacking potential and actual output raises concerns about their ability to compete at the top level consistently.

The tactical battle between the two sides highlighted Celtic's superiority in midfield. With Callum McGregor orchestrating play and Reo Hatate providing support, Celtic was able to dictate the tempo of the game. Hibernian's formation, which relies heavily on wing-backs pushing forward, left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Celtic exploited this weakness effectively, leading to their two quick goals that set the tone for the match.

Looking ahead, Hibernian faces a crucial match against Falkirk that could determine their trajectory for the remainder of the season. They must find a way to regain confidence and convert their chances if they hope to challenge for a higher league position. The pressure is mounting on coach David Gray to address these issues and get his team back on track.

Celtic will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture against Dundee. With their attacking players finding form and a solid defensive structure in place, they appear poised to continue their push for the Premiership title. The combination of Maeda's speed and Engels' creativity could prove pivotal in maintaining their winning streak.

This match served as a stark reminder of the gulf in class between the two teams at this moment in time. Celtic's ability to capitalize on Hibernian's mistakes while maintaining composure under pressure speaks volumes about their championship credentials. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Hibernian can regroup and challenge for a top spot or if Celtic will continue to assert their dominance in Scottish football.