Spirit of ’86 looms over Hearts Scottish Premiership title hopes

Celtic set the tone on Saturday with a composed 3–1 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park. The result ensured they kept pace at the top end of the table and, crucially, applied immediate pressure on both their rivals and the leaders Hearts ahead of the Edinburgh Derby. Coming into the weekend knowing that dropped points elsewhere could reopen the race, Celtic delivered a professional performance, continuing a recent resurgence in attacking form that has seen them rediscover their cutting edge at precisely the right moment under Martin O’Neill.

Motherwell celebrate scoring a late winning goal during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

That pressure told less than 24 hours later at Ibrox, where Rangers suffered what could be a fatal blow to their title ambitions. In a chaotic encounter, they eventually lost 3–2 to Motherwell despite mounting a second-half comeback from two goals down. The home side looked out of sorts early on, conceding twice before rallying through Youssef Chermiti and Nicolas Raskin. However, a dramatic late winner for Motherwell stunned the Ibrox crowd and left Rangers facing a steep uphill battle in the closing weeks.

Youssef Chermiti of the Rangers looking dejected after defeat during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The significance of that defeat cannot be overstated. Rangers dropped to third place, now trailing both Celtic and Hearts, and with only a handful of fixtures remaining, their margin for error has effectively disappeared. What had been shaping into a three-way shootout now looks increasingly like a race in which Rangers are outsiders hoping for favours elsewhere.

Fans of Heart of Midlothian cheer on from the stands during the Scottish Premiership match between Hibs and Hearts at Easter Road on April 26, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

If Rangers’ defeat opened the door, Hearts were quick to stride through it. In a fiercely contested Edinburgh derby against Hibernian, they demonstrated both resilience and composure to secure a crucial 2–1 victory. Falling behind early to a Martin Boyle goal, Hearts were then presented with a numerical advantage as Hibs were reduced first to ten men and then to nine early in the second half.

Warren O’Hora of Hibernian scores an own goal, Heart of Midlothian’s first goal of the game, as teammate Rocky Bushiri attempts to clear the ball off the line during the Scottish Premiership match between Hibs and Hearts at Easter Road on April 26, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Yet even with that advantage, Hearts were made to work as the Hibs defence withstood everything that Hearts could throw at them. However as the Hibs players tired after defending resolutely, Hearts patience finally paid off with two late goals to win the Edinburgh Derby. An equaliser—helped by a deflection involving Lawrence Shankland—finally shifted the momentum, before Blair Spittal struck a late winner that could prove one of the most important goals of the season in Scottish football.

The result left Hearts three points clear at the top of the table, with Celtic now their closest challengers and Rangers a further point behind.

Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

With only four games remaining, the Edinburgh side have placed themselves firmly in control of their own destiny. Celtic too have the title in their own hands and if both teams win their next three matches the title will come down to the final day where Celtic will have to beat Hearts to go level on points and the Champions will be the side with the best goal difference.

What makes this title race particularly compelling is its unpredictability. All three sides have shown vulnerability in recent weeks, and each still has to navigate high-pressure fixtures—including direct clashes that could swing the standings once again. Predicting the eventual winner at this stage borders on guesswork, such has been the volatility at the summit.

Players of Celtic acknowledge the fans following the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park Stadium on April 25, 2026 (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

For Celtic, the equation is relatively straightforward: keep winning and capitalise on any slip from Hearts. Their recent form suggests they are capable of doing just that, and with key head-to-head matches still to come, the current Champions retain genuine belief. Celtic has won 13 titles in the last 14 years so they alone have the experience the get this over the line. For Hearts and indeed the Rangers, it’s uncharted territory for their squads with the exception of the Rangers captain James Tavernier who is leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Spirit of ’86 tifo at Celtic Park during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. Photo JAOB

For Hearts, however, the opportunity is historic. Scottish football has long been dominated by the Glasgow giants, but this season presents a rare chance for an Edinburgh club to break that duopoly. Their ability to grind out results—particularly in high-stakes matches like Sunday’s derby—suggests they have both the mentality and momentum required.

No club outside of the Glasgow giants has won the league in Scotland since Alex Ferguson’s fine Aberdeen side lifted the trophy back in 1985. Hearts came close in 1986, coming within 8 minutes of lifting the trophy before two late goals from Dundee substitute Albert Kidd sent the trophy to Celtic on goal difference. Shades of ’86 about this season’s finally seem to be in the air.

Albert Kidd scores for Dundee to deny Hearts the title on 4 May 1986. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Rangers, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their defeat to Motherwell not only cost them points but may also have dented confidence at a critical juncture. With little room for further mistakes, they now rely on a near-perfect finish and favourable results elsewhere. Effectively Danny Rohl’s side now needs snookers. And ironically their next match – away to Hearts next Monday afternoon – could see the Rangers opening the door for CELTIC!

As the season enters its final stretch, the title race remains alive, unpredictable, and finely balanced. But after this weekend’s drama, it is Hearts who hold the advantage—while Celtic lurk ominously just behind, and Rangers are left hoping that the twists are not yet over.

Albert Kidd celebrating scoring goal for Dundee May 1986

Years before ahead of an Old Firm match at Ibrox the two managers Willie Waddell of Rangers and Jock Stein of Celtic were interviewed together shortly before kick-off and were asked for their score predictions. Waddell said that he thought Rangers would win 2-0 with Jock Stein immediately replying “only a full would predict the score in an Old Firm match”.

Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

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