Scottish Premiership: Hearts knock Rangers out of the title race as Celtic extend winning streak

However, the league leaders responded in style as Derek McInnes’ side came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory – their third win over Rangers across their last four meetings (L1).

Rangers looked set to throw another curveball into the title race when ex-Chelsea ace Dujon Sterling put them ahead after just 23 minutes.

To make matters worse, Hearts hardly put up a fight in the first half. They had just 36% of the possession and failed to muster a single shot on target in 45 minutes.

However, whatever McInnes said at the break worked wonders as Hearts returned for the second half with a vengeance.

They were rewarded for their bravery in less than 10 minutes as Stephen Kingsley drew them level before Lawrence Shankland netted the matchwinner in the 71st minute.

As it stands

Hearts’ narrow win over Rangers restored their three-point lead over Celtic at the top of the table.

However, it may have effectively ended Rangers’ chances of wresting the crown from their Glasgow rivals for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign.

The Gers now sit seven points behind Hearts with just nine left to play for this season.

Another victory for Hearts will officially confirm this as a two-way race between the pacesetters and second-placed Celtic, who are determined to make it five title wins in a row.

However, there are still some key fixtures upcoming that could decide the fate of the coveted crown.

The tables will turn on matchday 36, with Hearts set to take on Motherwell at Fir Park Stadium on Saturday night before Sunday’s box office Glasgow derby between Celtic and Rangers.

A win for Hearts will end Rangers’ faint hopes of clinching the title and simultaneously extend their lead over Celtic to six points, temporarily giving the history-chasers some breathing space.

Hearts will go into the game against Motherwell as favourites. Aside from being champions-elect, they have lost just one of their last nine games against Motherwell (W5, D3).

They’re also unbeaten in their last six meetings with Motherwell (W3, D3).

However, they haven’t won a league game at Fir Park since November 2023, drawing two and losing one of their last three visits.

While Rangers are more or less out of the title race, they could still make the most of it by denying their rivals a chance at winning their fifth consecutive league title when they meet at Celtic Park.

If Rangers hold Celtic to a draw and Hearts end their winless streak at Motherwell, the Jam Tarts will be just one point away from breaking a 41-year record.

They could then finally secure the title when they host Falkirk on May 13.