The Bairns come from behind to earn back-to-back promotions!
Falkirk FC are premiership bound after defeating Hamilton Accies 3-1 in the last game of the season. John McGlynn and his men did it the hard way after a poor run of form allowed a red-hot Livingston side back into title discussions. The stage was set for an absolute cracker as both sides sat on the same points heading into this game. Goals from Calvin Miller and an Ethan Ross double were enough to send the Bairns into the Premiership for the first time in 15 years. The first half kicked off and there were certainly no nerves amongst the fans as they were creating a party atmosphere. That was short lived however as after only 5 minutes the Accies took the lead. Poor defending and nerves from the home sides defence allowed Captain Scott Robinson to slot it home. Following this it was one way traffic with the Bairns throwing everything at the Hamilton back line. Falkirk playing some nice intricate football but just lacking that cutting edge in front of goal. The Championship trophy was Livingston’s until the 33 rd minute when Scott Arfield was brought down on the edge of the box with many calling for a penalty. A freekick was awarded, Ethan Ross stepped up and curled the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net putting the trophy back in Falkirk hands. In the 38 th minute cheers rang out around the stadium as news had filtered through that Partick Thistle had scored against Livingston. The home side continued to push for a goal to put themselves in the lead, but Steven McLean blew the whistle for half time. The second half kicked off the fans split between party mode and nail-biting nerves. It began initially a little less one sided than the way the first half ended. Hamilton had a little more of the ball in the first ten minutes of the half. The home side then found the form from the first half and in the 59th minute scrappy defending in the Accies box fell to the feet of Ethan Ross who fired the ball from close range in the back of the net. This was his second of the night and put the home side 2-1 ahead, 3 points above Livingston, and put one of John McGlynn’s hands on the championship trophy. In the 71 st minute the party atmosphere was heightened when the ball found it’s way to the feet of Calvin Miller on the left-hand side of the goal. He smashed it low, finding the bottom right corner of the goal to put the Bairns 3-1 up, taking them that bit closer to the title and automatic promotion. Scott Arfield, who was part of the Falkirk team that suffered relegation 15 years ago rejoined the club this past February said; “It is the most fulfilled and content I have felt on a football pitch because it was a story I was desperate to make happen”. When asked where it ranked in his managerial career John McGlynn said; “To go back-to-back, it’s amazing, absolute amazing, it has to be the best”. With their flare, style of play and story Falkirk will be a welcome addition to the Scottish Premiership. We now wait to see who out of Livingston, Ayr United and Partick Thistle will face in the playoffs.
Away Day in Munich: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Champions League Final at Allianz Arena
The 2025 Champions League Final is set to take place at Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich and a modern marvel of European football. This guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing an away day in Munich—from where to eat, drink, and stay to the cultural highlights, how to get around, and tips for making the most of this special event. Getting to Allianz Arena The Allianz Arena sits on the northern edge of Munich, about 10 km from the city centre, and is well connected by Munich’s efficient public transport. – By U-Bahn (Metro): Take Line U6 towards *Garching-Forschungszentrum*, getting off at *Fröttmaning*. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium entrance. – By Car: The Allianz Arena has its own parking spaces, but be aware that on game days, the area can get extremely crowded, so public transport is usually the better option. – By Bike: Munich is a bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes, and there’s bike parking at the stadium. This can be a fun way to arrive if the weather’s good! Where to Stay With thousands of fans flocking to Munich for the final, hotels are likely to fill up fast, so book early! Here are a few suggestions for all types of travellers: – Hotel Bayerischer Hof – This luxurious hotel in central Munich offers top-class amenities and is known for its rooftop bar with city views. Ideal for those looking to make the most of their stay. – Holiday Inn Munich – City Centre – A comfortable, mid-range option just a short metro ride from Allianz Arena and close to central attractions. – Meininger Hotel Munich City Center – A budget-friendly, hostel-style option that’s popular with travellers. It’s near Munich’s main train station, with easy access to U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines. Where to Eat Munich is known for hearty Bavarian cuisine and beer gardens, so take some time to sample the local flavours: – Hofbräuhaus – This historic beer hall is an absolute must for first-time visitors. Enjoy Bavarian dishes like Weißwurst (white sausage), pretzels, and a cold stein of Munich’s finest beer. – Augustiner-Keller – One of the oldest beer gardens in Munich, Augustiner-Keller is perfect for an outdoor meal, with classic Bavarian food and a lively atmosphere. – Viktualienmarkt – Located near Marienplatz, this famous open-air market is ideal for a quick pre-match snack. Try local treats like leberkäse (Bavarian meatloaf) and freshly made juices or pastries. Food Costs: Expect to pay around €15-€25 for a meal at traditional spots and beer gardens. Higher-end restaurants range from €40-€60 per person, depending on what you order. Where to Drink Munich is practically the world capital of beer, so whether you’re a fan of lagers, pilsners, or traditional Bavarian brews, you’re in for a treat: – Paulaner Bräuhaus – A traditional brewery offering both beer and hearty Bavarian food. A good spot for groups looking to meet fellow fans. – Giesinger Bräu – For craft beer lovers, this brewery offers a great selection beyond the usual German lagers, with a cosy atmosphere and friendly service. – Die Goldene Bar – Located in the Haus der Kunst museum, this chic bar is perfect for fans looking for a more sophisticated vibe pre- or post-match. Cost of Drinks: Beer typically ranges from €4-€6 for a half-litre. For a night out, budgeting €20-€30 should cover a couple of rounds. What to Do Before the Match Munich is packed with cultural sites and activities, so here are a few must-dos to add to your trip: – Marienplatz & Glockenspiel – The heart of Munich’s historic centre, Marienplatz is where you’ll find the famous Glockenspiel. Stop here for a photo, then explore the surrounding shops and cafes. – English Garden – If you have time, take a stroll through the English Garden, one of Europe’s largest city parks. The beer gardens here are scenic and ideal for pre-match relaxation. – Deutsches Museum – For fans of history and technology, the Deutsches Museum is a fascinating stop with exhibits covering aviation, engineering, and more. What to Expect at Allianz Arena The Allianz Arena is famed for its distinctive, colour-changing exterior, which lights up in the home team’s colours on match days. For the Champions League Final, expect a sea of blue lights and an electric atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium. – Before Kickoff: Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere. There will likely be fan zones set up near the stadium entrance with live music, merchandise stands, and food stalls. – Inside the Stadium: Allianz Arena’s design allows for superb views from all seats, so you won’t miss a moment. Bayern Munich fans are known for their passionate yet welcoming spirit, so expect plenty of chants, especially during the Champions League anthem. – Fan Etiquette: German fans are passionate but respectful. If you’re supporting a visiting team, join in the fun but be mindful not to interrupt any chants or ceremonies. Budget Tips for a One-Day or Weekend Trip Munich isn’t the cheapest city in Germany, but with a bit of planning, you can enjoy an incredible football trip on a budget. One-Day Budget (€100-€150) – Meals – €30-€40 for a traditional Bavarian lunch or dinner and some street food – Transport – €8 for an all-day Munich travel pass (valid on U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams) – Stadium Ticket – €70-€150 depending on seating for the Champions League Final – Drinks – €20 for a couple of beers or a drink at a local bar Weekend Budget (€300-€400) – Accommodation – €80-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel (book early for Champions League rates) – Meals – €60-€100 for traditional dining and beer garden visits – Cultural Activities – €30-€40 for museum or attraction tickets – Transport – €20 for a weekend Munich travel pass Dos and Don’ts in Munich DO: – Take time to try local delicacies like brezen (pretzels), bratwurst, and apfelstrudel. – Respect the local culture in
SPFL Shelves Premiership Expansion but Eyes Overhaul of Lower Leagues
Plans to alter the structure of Scottish football remain on the table — but any changes to the size of the top-flight division have effectively been ruled out. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) confirmed that while discussions around league reconstruction are ongoing, there is “no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus” on changing the 12-team format of the Premiership. The current setup — introduced in the 2000-01 season — sees the Premiership split into two halves after 33 matches, with each team playing a further five fixtures within their section of the table. Despite periodic calls for reform, the format remains firmly in place. Below the top tier, the Championship, League One, and League Two each consist of 10 clubs, playing each other four times per season. Promotion and relegation are determined through automatic spots and play-offs, while a pyramid play-off system allows champions of the Highland and Lowland Leagues the opportunity to gain SPFL entry. While the Premiership appears off-limits for now, the SPFL says there is “broad agreement around potential changes” to the structure of the leagues below. A formal consultation process involving clubs and key stakeholders is expected to follow as league officials develop these proposals further.
Hearts woes continue as Murray Dundee poach crucial win for Dundee
Having missed missed out on the top six and a Cup final, Hearts’ misery prolonged itself with the Edinburgh club now just five points above the relegation play-off place as Dundee executed a perfect smash and grab at Tynecastle. Opening the scoring was none other than Dundee’s own prodigal son Simon Murray, whose brilliant season continued as a cleared ball landed at the striker’s feet, making no mistake in slotting home his 22nd goal in all competitions late in the first-half. As Hearts struggled to mount a convincing attack, Dundee were all too happy to sit back and counter with a lack of creativity keenly felt. Dundee were guilty of wasting a golden opportunity presented to them as Seb Palmer-Houlden was guilty of stuffing a golden opportunity with a header sent wide of Craig Gordon’s goal. This was a Hearts side that had put eleven past Dundee in their last three meetings and yet they looked a side transformed for all the wrong reasons, unable to muster a goal in a dispiriting opening half for the home fans. Struggling under the weight of the Dundee defenders bearing down on him, Elton Kabangu having two chances. The first a nicely weighted through ball which the striker could only send wide and the second fired directly into Trevor Carson after James Penrice had drilled a low ball into his feet. Frankie Kent would come agonisingly near to levelling the score, heading a whipped in corner just over the bar as the fans’ frustration continue to grow. Kenneth Vargas came closest to an equaliser in added time but was denied by a good Carson block from a short distance. With the sounding of the final whistle, Dundee could relish putting themselves two clear of Ross County and out of the play-off place. Dundee find solidity off the back of a gritty win and a clean sheet to boot, you would hardly believe that this was the same Dundee side that had shipped an astonishing seventy-one goals this season. The 4-0 defeat to Hibernian was perhaps straw that broke the camel’s back, or perhaps thanks to the realities of the relegation battle settling in, Tony Docherty and his players have been forced to adapt, closing ranks as soon as Murray had done was Murray does. Of course the striker will make the back pages, but immense credit should go to Joe Shaughnessy and company for their tactical discipline and ability to hold concentration to see out the victory. Now two points clear of eleventh, Dundee’s tactical shift may pay dividends yet. Critchley feels the heat If the fans’ displeasure wasn’t clear to Neil Critchley during the game, he certainly couldn’t avoid it as a shower of abuse rained down as the side made their way down the tunnel. On the scale of lethal to languid in possession, Hearts veered completely towards the latter. Looking to pick holes in an unrelenting Dundee defence was never going to be an easy task as the visitors demonstrated a newfound defensive resolve. But it was made even more difficult by an inability to take the chances that came their way. Kabangu was certainly guilty, but he was not alone. Fourteen shots and only four on target might not paint the clearest picture of how those chances unfolded but Carson was allowed to stay on his feet far more often than he should have. Four games to go and all of sudden last season’s third best side risk proving that there is no such thing as ‘too big to fail’ in the Scottish top flight. What the manager’s said Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “Hugely, I think you use that sometimes, proud of your players, really delighted with the level of performance I got from the players there. It’s been a hard two weeks.” “I said to the boys when I came into the dressing room, some of them went to go on their phone, I don’t want them to go on their phones. I don’t know the results now, I just want to focus on my own team.” “They’re such an honest, hard-working group to leave everything on the pitch and to make sure they go over and above for their teammates, and I think you’ve seen a team that did that today. So to come here and to get that performance and to get that result, as I say, I’m hugely proud of them.” Hearts boss Neil Critchley: “Yeah, it’s a tough day, no doubt about that. And probably the way the game transpired is probably how it’s going for us a little bit at the moment.” “We’re in a fight. There’s four games to go and there’s 12 points to play for, and you’ve seen Dundee today, the fight that they showed.” “I’m used to it. That’s football, that’s supporters nowadays. Everyone’s entitled to opinion, there’s emotion, there’s passion, it’s an emotive game, particularly here at Tynecastle and it means a lot to people, and I’m comfortable with that.” Line-ups: Heart of Midlothian: Gordon (c), Penrice, McCart (Kingsley 46), Kent, Forrester, Devlin, Baningime (Drammeh 46), Spittal (Dhanda 77), Grant, Kartum (Vargas 63), Kabangu (Forrest 90) Unused subs: Fulton, Halkett, Nieuwenhof, Steinwender Booked: Kabangu Dundee: Carson, Larkeche (Samuels 80), Robertson, Shaughnessy (c), Astley (Ingram 91), Portales (Fraser 91), Tiffoney, Cameron, Mulligan, Palmer-Houlden (Robertson 63), Murray Unused subs: Koumetio, Donnelly, McCracken, Reilly, Sylla Goals: Murray (38) Booked: Palmer-Houlden, Carson, Cameron, Robertson
Celtic Crush Saints in Semi-Final Showdown to March Into Final
Celtic unleashed a breathtaking blitz of first-half brilliance to dismantle St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park, booking their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and staying firmly on course for an unprecedented ninth domestic treble. Brendan Rodgers extended his perfect personal record at the national stadium to 14 wins, as his side lit up the semi-final with a ruthless display of attacking football, scoring four times in just 12 minutes before the break. The tone was set early. From the opening whistle, Celtic pinned St Johnstone deep into their own half, probing and pressing with increasing menace. The breakthrough arrived courtesy of Callum McGregor, who guided in a pinpoint finish to cap a dominant opening spell. That goal opened the floodgates. McGregor turned provider moments later, slipping in a sublime pass toward Daizen Maeda. Sam Curtis’s attempted interception only redirected the ball kindly into the Japanese forward’s path, and Maeda made no mistake. From there, the goals kept coming. Adam Idah tapped home the third after slick build-up play, and Maeda struck again almost immediately to make it 4-0—his 33rd goal of a remarkable season. St Johnstone, who had upset Celtic in the league just a fortnight earlier, were left shell-shocked. The team that once dared to dream of another Hampden upset now looked desperate for half-time refuge. But Celtic weren’t done. Rodgers brought on fresh firepower in the second half, with Jota and Nicolas Kuhn joining the action. Jota added a fifth from a tight angle, just minutes after James Forrest saw a penalty award overturned by VAR. Mackenzie Kirk had a stunning finish chalked off for offside, rubbing further salt into the Saints’ wounds. For Celtic, this was a statement—a warning shot fired not only at Aberdeen but at anyone questioning their domestic dominance. Alistair Johnston had said the recent league defeat in Perth had been a needed jolt. If that was a wake-up call, this was Celtic wide awake and in full flight. Maeda and Forrest tore down the wings, the midfield controlled the tempo with authority, and the relentless press never let up. With five players coming off the bench who would walk into most starting XIs, Rodgers has an enviable depth. His side looked every inch the champions-in-waiting, with only 90 minutes now standing between them and another historic clean sweep. As for St Johnstone, they’ll need to shake off this bruising loss quickly. Simo Valakari’s men were simply outclassed, and though they managed a league victory over Celtic earlier in the month, they were nowhere near the same level here. There were glimpses of effort, but mistakes proved fatal. Misplaced passes, failed clearances, and a struggle to break Celtic’s press led to an afternoon of damage limitation. With five Premiership matches left to secure survival, the Saints must regroup fast. Post-match reactions Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager:“I’m delighted with the performance. After the first goal, we really took control. Five goals and it could’ve been more – a great display to reach another final.” Simo Valakari, St Johnstone manager:“Celtic can do that to any team. They’re ruthless. We didn’t do enough to get a result and gave away soft goals. But I’m still proud of the team’s effort throughout this cup run.”
Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed
Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee
Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings
Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings Rangers are preparing for a major summer rebuild, with 49ers Enterprises ready to inject significant funds into the squad in an effort to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, sources have revealed to Football Insider. The Ibrox side managed to cling to slim title hopes thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser from Ianis Hagi at Pittodrie on Sunday, denying Celtic the chance to seal the league with five games remaining. But with Rangers now trailing their Old Firm rivals by 15 points and holding a significantly inferior goal difference, any realistic shot at reclaiming the title this season is all but gone. Plans are already in motion for a transformative summer under the incoming ownership of 49ers Enterprises. According to sources close to the club, the American investment group intends to back the arrival of at least six new signings to kickstart a new era at Ibrox. Permanent Deals for Loan Stars on the Table With several players currently on loan, including Vaclav Cerny, Rafael Fernandes, and Oscar Cortes, Rangers are expected to push for permanent deals—particularly prioritising a move for Wolfsburg winger Cerny, who has been one of the standout performers this season. It remains to be seen whether these loan deals will be included within the six new signings or come in addition to them, but the intention from 49ers Enterprises is clear: build a squad capable of matching Celtic stride for stride next season. Managerial Decision Looms Before any transfer business can truly ramp up, a decision must be made on the managerial front. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge, but Football Insider has reported that he is unlikely to be offered the role on a permanent basis. Once a new manager is appointed, 49ers Enterprises are expected to provide immediate financial backing in the transfer market, with an emphasis on high-impact signings. The goal is to not just add depth, but to bring in players who can change the course of a season. Eyeing Ambitious Moves The American owners understand the scale of the challenge ahead. Bridging the gap to Celtic will require bold moves—both in management and recruitment. Speculation has even emerged over potential interest in prising Scotland international Greg Taylor away from Parkhead, a move that would certainly send shockwaves through Scottish football. For Rangers supporters, this summer represents a turning point. With new investment, a new manager, and a squad refresh on the cards, the pressure is on for the club to hit the ground running. 49ers Enterprises have made their intentions clear: the days of settling for second are numbered.
Buddies put five past Killie to keep top six hopes alive
St Mirren have ended a four-year winless run against Kilmarnock as they defeated them at home today. It is only Derek McInnes’ 2nd ever defeat to the saints as a manager and his first as the Killie boss. It gives St. Mirren a real boost going into the two final games before the split. For Kilmarnock it sees them teetering over the playoff places at the bottom of the table. Despite the rainy, windy and blustery conditions before kickoff the start of the game greatly contrasted with it, as it was a scintillating opening ten minutes. The Saints press and overlapping runs, put the Killie backline under pressure immediately. It didn’t take long for the opening goal as the saints first shot on goal put them ahead. A low driving shot from Boyd-Munce sizzled past McCrorie. Only moments later the home side put themselves further in front when Ayunga clashed with Mayo in the box leading referee Nick Walsh to point the spot. Idowu adopted a slow run up with a stutter before hitting the ball and he slid it into the back of the net to give the home side a two-goal advantage after only 10 minutes. Despite Killie having most of the possession they failed to capitalise on it. The second half kicked off to improved weather and from the whistle it would appear a better Killie team. However, this was short lived as in the 58th minute the home side went three ahead. A counterattack led to a corner which wasn’t dealt with by the Kille backline. The ball fell to the feet of Boyd-Munce who fired a powerful side foot shot past the keeper. The Saints then began to show their flare upon the hour mark as they began to control the possession of the game and play some good technical football. In the 65th minute the ball fell to Captain Mark O’Hara on the edge of the box. He brought the ball on to his right side and sent a fourth ball into the net of Killie. Only four minutes later the Hawaii Five-o tune blared across the stadium as Declan John received the ball on the left-hand side of the box and fired home the goal of the game with a venomous shot past McCrorie. In the 85th minute Killie were awarded a penalty after Joe Wright was brought down in the box. Anderson fired stopper Hemming but in reality, it was a conciliation goal from an afternoon to forget. After the game Assistant Manager Brian Kerr said; “I think the performance was excellent. I think it’s been coming to be honest. We’ve had real good performances over the last 7/8 weeks without the result to back that up”. A disappointed Derek McInnes said; “St Mirren were hands down smarter than us, more street wise than us and more clinical than us. They thoroughly deserved the three points today”. Killie now return home next Saturday to face off against Motherwell whereas St. Mirren travel up to face Dundee.
Mourinho Unshaken as Fenerbahce Boss Insists: ‘We Are Better Than Rangers’
Jose Mourinho remains defiant ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League showdown at Ibrox, insisting his side are superior to Rangers despite trailing 2-0 from the first leg. The Portuguese manager, never one to lack confidence, believes Barry Ferguson’s men capitalised on his team’s errors in Istanbul rather than outplaying them. “They weren’t better than us,” Mourinho asserted. “They won because we made mistakes. They were disciplined, they fought, and they took their chances – but that doesn’t mean they are the better team.” Rangers executed a clinical counter-attacking gameplan, sitting deep and striking when opportunities arose, a strategy Mourinho acknowledged but dismissed as evidence of superiority. Despite history being against him – he has never overturned a two-goal home deficit in nearly 200 European matches – Mourinho is adamant Fenerbahce still have a real shot at progressing. “If I didn’t believe we could do it, I wouldn’t even be thinking about this game,” he said. “I’d be focusing on Sunday’s league match instead. But we have a chance – and as long as we do, we go for it.” With Fenerbahce chasing Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, Mourinho could have prioritised domestic matters. Instead, he is throwing everything at Ibrox. Fond Memories of Glasgow – and a Secret Old Firm Experience Mourinho has been to Ibrox before, most notably with Chelsea for a friendly in 2007. But his fondest memory of the famous stadium comes from a much more low-key visit. “If you ask me the result of that Chelsea game, I couldn’t tell you,” he admitted. “It was just a friendly. But my best Ibrox memory? You don’t know about it. I was hidden in the crowd, watching Rangers vs Celtic. “It was a couple of weeks before my Porto side faced Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final. Nobody knew me at the time, so I could just walk out with the fans – good times.” Fenerbahce were unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions before their first-leg defeat to Rangers, but Mourinho is hoping his team can feed off the atmosphere at Ibrox rather than be intimidated by it. “They have to embrace it,” he said. “Even if the crowd is against us, this is the best place to play football. The UK is special. Let’s enjoy it – and let’s go for it.”
Celtic Punish St Mirren in Seven-Goal Thriller to Close in on Title
Celtic moved another step closer to retaining the Scottish Premiership title with a pulsating 5-2 victory over St Mirren in Paisley, extending their lead at the top of the table to 16 points. With just three more wins required to seal a fourth consecutive championship, Brendan Rodgers’ side could wrap up the title as early as the first week of April if they overcome Rangers and Hearts in their next two fixtures before heading to Perth to face St Johnstone. St Mirren, however, did not make it easy for the champions-elect, twice clawing their way back into the contest before Celtic’s superior squad depth proved decisive. A late brace from Yang Hyun-jun, either side of a fine Daizen Maeda strike, secured a hard-fought but ultimately emphatic victory for the visitors. Maeda, in sensational form, netted his 13th goal in 12 games, while Yang’s electric two-goal cameo will give Rodgers plenty to consider ahead of the upcoming title-defining fixtures. Celtic edged in front at the break thanks to Jeffrey Schlupp’s first goal for the club, clinically steering the ball inside the post, and an Arne Engels penalty. Sandwiched between was a stunning free-kick from St Mirren’s Declan John, a curling effort that left Kasper Schmeichel with no chance. The Celtic goalkeeper was called into action twice in quick succession before the interval, denying Toyosi Olusanya one-on-one and then reacting superbly to keep out a Mark O’Hara effort. The second half saw further drama as Ryan Alebiousu, having earlier conceded the penalty, redeemed himself by setting up Killian Phillips for a thunderous equaliser that bounced into the net beyond a helpless Schmeichel. However, Celtic’s bench ultimately made the difference. Yang’s introduction injected fresh energy and creativity, and his impact was instant. The South Korean winger assisted Maeda for a cool finish before adding two goals of his own to put the game beyond doubt. Substitute Luke McCowan also struck the post in a vibrant late spell for the visitors. St Mirren Show Fight but Fall Short Manager Stephen Robinson will take pride in his team’s effort despite the defeat. His side pressed Celtic aggressively, created several clear-cut chances, and forced Schmeichel into multiple fine saves. However, they will rue the needless penalty concession that gave Celtic a foothold in the match. Despite the loss, St Mirren remain well in the hunt for a top-six finish, with performances like this proving they are more than capable of competing with the league’s elite. Celtic’s Strength in Depth Shines Through For Rodgers’ side, this was another demonstration of their relentless pursuit of success. Even on a difficult surface and against a stubborn opponent, Celtic’s quality prevailed. Callum McGregor’s rare substitution did little to disrupt their rhythm, with McCowan adding energy and attacking intent. Jota and Yang further tipped the balance in Celtic’s favour, their introductions stretching St Mirren’s tiring defence. Schlupp will be buoyed by his first goal for the club, while Engels continues to impress in his debut season with his 10th goal of the campaign. With a Scottish Cup tie against Hibernian up next, followed by the crunch league showdown with Rangers, Celtic’s momentum remains firmly intact. What They Said St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: “I don’t think many teams press Celtic like that or create that many chances, but we didn’t take enough of them. That’s been the story of our season – we can’t afford a striker that gets 20 goals. There are very good aspects to that performance, but we want to come away with three points.” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “I think it’s one of my favourite results of the season, coming to St Mirren, who have put in some really strong performances. It’s a brilliant three points for us. Our attacking play was excellent. On a difficult surface, the players were technically superb.”
