Maeda Moves Celtic Level with Leaders Hearts

AFP-Jiji

12:02 JST, April 26, 2026

GLASGOW (AFP-Jiji) — Daizen Maeda scored twice and made Celtic’s other goal in a 3-1 win over Falkirk that moved the defending champions level with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The top three in a tense title race are now separated by just one point with Hearts and Rangers in action, in their game in hand over Celtic, on Sunday.

Celtic took advantage of playing a day before their title rivals with Maeda’s return to form a massive boost.

The Japan international charged down a clearance from Keelan Adams before slotting past the stranded Nicky Hogarth to give Celtic the lead in the 30th minute.

Maeda again won possession to create the second goal before feeding Kieran Tierney to smash in off the underside of the bar just before half-time.

Celtic have suffered a series of second-half slumps in recent weeks and Martin O’Neill would have been fearing the worst when Kyrell Wilson’s fine finish brought Falkirk back into the game 20 minutes from time.

However, Maeda settled Celtic’s nerves when he slotted home in the 83rd minute from Sebastian Tounekti’s low cross.

Hearts remain on top thanks to their superior goal difference and will look to pull clear again when they travel to local rivals Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby.

Third-placed Rangers host Motherwell knowing a win will take them top, even if for just a few hours, before the game at Easter Road is over.

At the bottom of the table, Livingston avoided mathematical relegation by beating St. Mirren 2-0 to register their first win since August.

Livie are still almost certain to go down as they are nine points adrift of safety with four games remaining, but snapped a 31-match winless run.

Aberdeen eased fears they could be dragged into the relegation play-off place with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.