Celtic vs Heart Of Midlothian Match Recap - Dec 7, 2025

Heart Of Midlothian Stuns Celtic with a 2-1 Victory at Celtic Park

Celtic's dominance in possession and passing accuracy could not translate into goals, as they fell 2-1 to Heart Of Midlothian. Despite controlling the ball for 66% of the match and completing 83% of their passes, Celtic struggled to break down a resolute Hearts defense. This defeat marks a significant setback for a team that had been riding high on recent form.

Heart Of Midlothian showcased their tactical discipline, executing a 5-4-1 formation that frustrated Celtic's attacking players. The visitors capitalized on their limited chances, scoring two goals from just three shots on target. Cláudio Braga opened the scoring just before halftime, and Oisin McEntee doubled the lead in the second half, demonstrating the effectiveness of Hearts' counter-attacking strategy.

Celtic's recent form had suggested they would dominate this fixture. They entered the match with four consecutive wins, including a solid performance against Dundee just days prior. Yet, this match exposed vulnerabilities in their attack. Despite outshooting Hearts significantly, with 47 total passes compared to Hearts' 24, Celtic's inability to convert possession into meaningful chances proved costly.

Kieran Tierney, who had been instrumental in Celtic's recent successes, managed to score a late consolation goal in stoppage time. However, it was too little, too late for the home side. This result raises questions about Celtic's ability to respond under pressure, especially after suffering a similar fate against Hearts earlier in the season.

Lawrence Shankland, who has been a key player for Hearts this season, was relatively quiet but still managed to contribute defensively. His presence allowed Hearts to maintain their shape and absorb pressure effectively. The contrast between Shankland's recent performances and his subdued role today highlights the tactical adjustments made by Derek John McInnes, focusing on a collective defensive effort rather than individual brilliance.

Celtic's midfield, led by Callum McGregor, struggled to find rhythm against a well-organized Hearts side. The home team's pass accuracy of 83% was impressive but did not translate into clear-cut opportunities. The lack of creativity in the final third was evident, as Celtic failed to create high-quality chances despite their numerical advantage in possession.

The defeat leaves Celtic in a precarious position as they look to maintain their title challenge. With 32 points, they remain second in the league but now trail Hearts, who sit atop the table with the same points total but with a superior goal difference. This match could serve as a turning point for both teams; for Celtic, it raises concerns about their ability to perform under pressure, while for Hearts, it solidifies their status as serious title contenders.

Looking ahead, Celtic will need to regroup quickly before facing Dundee Utd in their next match. They must address their attacking inefficiencies and find ways to convert possession into goals if they hope to reclaim their position at the top of the league. Meanwhile, Hearts will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Falkirk, looking to extend their lead at the summit of the Premiership.

This match serves as a stark reminder that football is often dictated by moments of clinical finishing rather than mere possession statistics. As both teams reflect on this encounter, the narrative of resilience and redemption will be crucial in shaping their paths forward in this competitive season.