Celtic strengthened their hold on another Scottish Premiership title with a comfortable victory over Dundee United, moving 16 points clear of Rangers, who face Hearts on Sunday live on Sky Sports.
Callum McGregor fired the Hoops ahead as they looked to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Jota, netting his first goal at Celtic Park since his return, curled a superb effort into the bottom corner to double their lead before the break. Adam Idah sealed the win late on with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box, notching his fifth goal in five matches.
Dundee United Struggle Continues
Dundee United, now without a win since mid-January, drop to fourth after Aberdeen ended their own winless streak. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the starting XI, resting Daizen Maeda after his strong performance in Germany. However, Idah showcased his ability once again, bringing down a headed clearance before volleying into the top corner for a spectacular finish.
Greg Taylor, Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, and Maeda all started on the bench after featuring in the midweek clash against Bayern.
McGregor and Jota Shine for Celtic
Visiting goalkeeper Jack Walton survived the opening 25 minutes without facing a shot on target, with early efforts from Idah and Cameron Carter-Vickers missing the mark. However, McGregor took matters into his own hands, collecting a pass from Yang Hyun-jun, bursting past Allan Campbell, and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards.
The Celtic captain almost doubled his tally soon after, while left-back Jeffrey Schlupp struck the inside of the post from 20 yards. Jota, whose last home goal had come in a 3-2 victory over Rangers in April 2023, marked his return in style before setting up Idah for a chance that Walton did well to save.
Campbell had half-chances in both halves but failed to seriously test Kasper Schmeichel. Walton also denied Luke McCowan’s free-kick and Taylor’s effort in a quiet second half, before Idah lit up the closing stages with his emphatic finish.
Rodgers Praises “Three Goals of Individual Brilliance”
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s response to their European setback:
“The attitude going into the game after a tough midweek match was fantastic. Our record after the Champions League has been excellent.
“The quality of our football, especially in the first half, was at a really high level. The speed of our play, our connections in the game, and all three goals were moments of individual brilliance.
“The players are synchronised in their work and connect well. The concentration is there until the very end, as they push to score more while defending resolutely. Now we recover and prepare for a different challenge on Tuesday.”
Goodwin: “We Were Beaten by the Better Team”
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted his side struggled to cope with Celtic’s intensity:
“We were outplayed and beaten by the better team.
“You hope Celtic might have one eye on next week’s Champions League match, but credit to Brendan Rodgers and his players, they maintained their high standards.
“We pressed higher in the second half and forced more turnovers, but even then, Celtic’s organisation and desire to win the ball back made things extremely difficult.
“We’ve seen what they’ve done to other teams here, and unfortunately, we’re on the wrong end of the result. Now, our focus shifts to the seven huge games before the split.”
What’s Next in the Scottish Premiership?
With Celtic cruising at the top and Rangers facing Hearts next, the title race looks increasingly one-sided. Dundee United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they fight for a European spot in the run-up to the league split.