Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 15:00, Saturday, Celtic TV
- Pi day! 3.14 (14th March)
- First two goal win for Celtic v any side since home game v Falkirk (early Jan)
- Motherwell lost their game in hand the week before to Dundee 2-1 which ended their outside hopes of a league title, and this one seals that.
- Araujo out injured (surprise to all); Iheancho returns and is on the bench. Cvancara on the bench (not a big vote of confidence in him).
- Guide Dog mascot Harry joined Celtic on the pitch yesterday to showcase the vital role that service animals play in assisting supporters with disabilities. It was part of Celtic’s Accessibility Awareness week of action!
- Sevco supporters to receive an allocation of 2,500 tickets for their league trip match at Celtic Park later this season.
- Stephen Robinson confirmed as new head coach at Aberdeen, joining from rivals St Mirren.
- Greater Glasgow Division Chief Superintendent Emma Croft that large-scale away allocations for derby matches are “not workable” after the scenes that followed Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox.
- Kasper Schmeichel has told Denmark head coach Brian Riemer that he is not fit enough to play in their World Cup play-off against North Macedonia later this month and revealed that he has been struggling with a shoulder joint injury for several months.
- Rugby: France win 6N, Ireland defeat Scotland
- Reports:
- Sturm Graz midfielder Filip Rozga is a Celtic transfer target as the Scottish champions have reignited their interest in the 19-year-old Poland international.
- Celtic are among the clubs who are showing interest in 23-year-old Cologne defensive midfielder Eric Martel, who is out of contract this summer.
- West Ham striker Callum Wilson has verbally agreed terms on a new one-year contract despite Celtic’s interest in the 34-year-old Englishman.
- Celtic reputedly set sights on Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane (ex Celt), very unlikely and mostly unwanted.
- Celtic to face competition from Cruz Azul if they bid to keep on-loan Julian Araujo.
- Hearts striker Claudio Braga a signing target for Celtic.
- Ange Postecoglou has teased a change of stance on returning to former clubs – after the Greek-Australian manager previously shut down links to Celtic
Summary
Joebloggscity of thecelticwiki:
Every game now feels like as if it’s do or die for our league challenge! It’s been written off repeatedly by many yet we’re now back in it with Hearts shockingly losing 1-0 to Kilmarnock in the later evening kickoff! It also means that now Sevco are back in it.
Huge win Martin oneill regardless of what happens has worked wonders with such an injury hit and depleted team. Big 3 points, going behind was a big test, fair play to Yang for stepping up with a brace. Hopefully get some players back soon & get plenty of rest over the next week before we go again
Celtic simply do not do things the easy way and this match generally followed that pattern. Motherwell had the bulk of possession and most would agree were the better organised side with many slack passes and control from Celtic. When Motherwell went one up, the omens didn’t look great and most once again howled that again our league title challenge was over. Yet a fightback began with the unlikely figure of Yang being a hero scoring twice. Firstly he grabbed an equaliser just before halftime to at least ease tensions. This helped turn things and on 72mins Celtic were awarded a penalty for after a VAR review for a blatant penalty, and with Motherwell down to ten men with the offender sent off, Celtic had the run of the remainder of the game with Yang scoring his second to seal the win. It was to be the first time we’ve been able to unclench and relax watching the last 10 minutes of a Celtic game in ages.
Over the last two of three or games Hatate & Maeda has been revitalised after it was said that they had downed tools, and Yang was back in some form. They were showing heart & really helping push a still weak Celtic side.
However, Cvancara is not looking great, and being benched at the start it not a vote of confidence.
Long way to go with this league challenge.
“It’s a big win and to come from behind and play in the matter that we did. Naturally, I’m delighted with the performance. “Where it comes in the scheme of things, I genuinely don’t know. But today, to play against Motherwell, who are a fine, fine footballing team and fight back with all the things that were mounting up for us, like injuries, the team have found spirit. “But spirit alone won’t do it for you and they played brilliantly. That’s a delight. “I think for a neutral, not that I am one, I think it was a great game of football.”
Martin O’Neill
“Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning and now we have got nothing out of the last two games even though we have put a lot in. “The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good and our pressing was at times extremely good and it made them change their strategies. “We got a goal from it and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do. “It could go both ways and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game. “It’s a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result.”
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou
McStay of KDS:
Brilliant win made even more important with events in Kilmarnock afterwards.
I thought we were below par in the first half. Our equaliser aside I thought our press was miles off it and we were making it far too easy for them to play out from the back and giving them too much space to always have a free man to pass to. Tounekti was the worst of the lot for it and MON got it spot on subbing him at HT. The second half was so much better and our press was brilliant. Probably the best it’s been all season. Yang was excellent and took both goals brilliantly and I thought big Arthur looked classy. Physically dominant once again. I hope we extend his loan for another year.
An enjoyable game overall. Some good end to end action at spells. Elijah Just is a very good footballer. I’d like to sign him in the summer.
Absolutely baltic btw!!
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
12, V. Sinisalo
63, K. Tierney, subbed for M. Saracchi at 78 mins
05, L. Scales (c), Captain
43, B. Arthur
51, C. Donovan,50′, Yellow Card at 50 mins, subbed for A. Ralston at 78 mins
41, R. Hatate,63′, Yellow Card at 63 mins
21, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain,7′, Yellow Card at 7 mins, subbed for Paulo Bernardo at 78 mins
23, S. Tounekti, subbed for T. Čvančara at 46 mins
08, B. Nygren, subbed for L. McCowan at 62 mins
13, Yang Hyun-Jun
38, D. Maeda
Subs:
31, R. Doohan
49, J. Forrest
28, Paulo Bernardo
14, L. McCowan
47, D. Murray
56, A. Ralston,Yellow Card at 82 mins
36, M. Saracchi
11, T. Čvančara
17, K. Ịheanachọ
Goals:
Yang Hyun-Jun (38′, 79′)
T. Čvančara (72′ pen)Penalty 72 minutes
Assists:
Motherwell
Manager:Jens Berthel Askou
Formation:04 – 3 – 3
Starting lineup
13, C. Ward,Yellow Card at 72 mins
45, E. Longelo, red card 71mins
71′, Red Card at 71 mins
16, P. McGinn (c), Captain
02, S. O’Donnell
07, T. Sparrow, subbed for J. McGhee at 83 mins
12, L. Fadinger, subbed for O. Priestman at 78 mins
08, C. Slattery
20, E. Watt
21, E. Just,64′, Yellow Card at 64 mins, subbed for S. Nicholson at 83 mins
18, T. Maswanhise, subbed for L. Ross at 91 mins
90, I. Said, subbed for E. Björgólfsson at 78 mins
Subs:
04, L. Gordon
11, A. Halliday
39, Z. McAllister
06, J. McGhee
25, O. Priestman
19, S. Nicholson
01, A. Oxborough
28, L. Ross
15, E. Björgólfsson
Goals:
E. Just (32′)
Assists:
C. Slattery (32′)
Ref:Referee: John Beaton
Video Assistant Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee 1: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee 2: Calum Spence
Fourth Official: Greg Soutar
Assistant VAR Official: Gary Hilland
Venue:Celtic Park
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Basic Stats
Overall possession
Celtic 46.7%
Motherwell 53.3%
Shots
Celtic 13
Motherwell 12
Shots on target
Celtic 6
Motherwell 3
Total touches inside the opposition box
Celtic 26
Motherwell 18
CEL
MOT
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 3
Motherwell 3
Aerial duels won
Celtic 7
Motherwell 5
Fouls committed
Celtic 10
Motherwell 10
Corners
Celtic 2
Motherwell 3
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Celtic 13
Motherwell 12
Shots on target
Celtic 6
Motherwell 3
Shots off target
Celtic 4
Motherwell 6
Attempts out of box
Celtic 6
Motherwell 6
Hit woodwork
Celtic 2
Motherwell 0
One-on-one attempts
Celtic 2
Motherwell 0
Total offsides
Celtic 0
Motherwell 3
Distribution
Total passes
Celtic 482
Motherwell 562
Pass accuracy %
Celtic 86.7
Motherwell 88.3
Backward passes
Celtic 65
Motherwell 104
Forward passes
Celtic 134
Motherwell 171
Total long balls
Celtic 47
Motherwell 56
Successful final third passes
Celtic 86
Motherwell 97
Total crosses
Celtic 17
Motherwell 11
Defence
Total tackles
Celtic 17
Motherwell 15
Won tackle %
Celtic 76.5
Motherwell 60
Fouls committed
Celtic 10
Motherwell 10
Total yellow cards
Celtic 4
Motherwell 2
Total clearances
Celtic 15
Motherwell 15
Pre Match Facts
Celtic have only lost one of their last 31 home games against
Motherwell in all competitions (W26 D4), going unbeaten in their last 17 (W15 D2) since a 1-2 league defeat in December 2015.
After their 2-0 win in December,
Motherwell are looking for back-to-back league victories over Celtic for the first time since April 2013 under Stuart McCall.
Celtic have both scored (10 goals) and conceded (8) in each of their last five league games (W3 D1 L1); they last did so in six successive Scottish Premiership matches in April/May 2017.
After their 2-1 defeat at Dundee last time out,
Motherwell could suffer back-to-back league defeats for just a second time this season; the previous occasion in October included a 3-2 defeat away to Celtic (also 2-1 v Falkirk).
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney has five goals in 26 Scottish Premiership games this season (including two in his last two), as many as his previous 102 appearances in the competition prior to 2025-26. Tierney also has seven assists in the competition this term, his joint-most in a league campaign in his career (also 7 in 2017-18).
Articles
“Yang? He was sensational, really, really great,” Martin O’Neill
By David Faulds 14 March, 2026 No Comments
Well, that was some game! As we predicted on The Celtic Star this morning Celtic beat Motherwell 3-1 at Celtic Park this afternoon with Yang scoring a double and Tomas Cvancara netting a penalty kick that John Beaton was so reluctant to award…
Afterwards the Celtic manager Martin O’Neill spoke to the mainstream media, with The Celtic Star and other outlets still subject to the club’s pathetic ban, imposed for nothing at all. Here’s what Martin had to say…
Q: Martin, how big a victory did that feel for you today?
Martin O’Neill: “It was a great win, a great win for us. Naturally, I’m delighted with it. I thought it was a really good game of football. Motherwell are very fine footballing side, no question about that, and it was one of those where you just felt it was going to be really open and so it proved to be. Motherwell were very dangerous throughout the game, and we fought back brilliantly to win, so it was great.”
Q: How pleased are you with Yang’s performance today?
Martin O’Neill: “Yang? He was sensational, really, really great! Obviously, he scored the goals, a big, big boost. But it was the work that he did going backwards as well too. I wouldn’t know what sort of distances he covered today, but it would have been immense.”
Q: How does he look compared to when you first saw him back in October?
Martin O’Neill: “Well, I believe that he was about to leave the football club in August time, which was a wee bit strange, I must admit. What he’s done in my two spells here has been… I couldn’t have asked for any more, really. Not too far behind him was Daizen Maeda today. I thought he was great in terms of what he does for the team. Goes up and plays centre-forward in the first half, comes wide in the second half, but Yang’s performance was just, as I said, immense.”
Q: Yang seems to be really blossoming this season?
Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, I don’t know what was happening before. The first time I saw him, he played wide left in a little seven-a-side game here. My first week or something, I guess, in the training session. He left the full-back for absolute dead, turned both ways, he could go both ways. In fact, I said to him, I thought that he might even be better on the left-hand side. He said it didn’t matter to him, in the way he played today, I’ll go with it.”
Q: Your thoughts on Tomas Cvancara’s penalty?
Martin O’Neill: “I think he took the ball off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, believe it or not. So that was big, because that’s everything riding on the game. He took the penalty, obviously had a bit of confidence from scoring on Sunday. But it was a big moment, because like a lot of us, we still have to win the crowd over. So he took it, and that’s well done to him. They helped make the goal for Yang, the last goal, which gives you a bit of a cushion.”
Q: Your gap at the top is down to two, and Hearts play tonight?
Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, I can’t really do anything, that’s not in our control. But today, I thought we played great, especially the second half, and really got at them. Up until Yang scored, I thought the game was still in the balance.”
Q: Have you got any update on Julian Araujo?
Martin O’Neill: “Julian? I’m hoping that he should be alright for next week. The answer is, I don’t know if you think I should, but things seem to change all the time. I didn’t realise that, for instance, even Kasper trained yesterday. Yeah, he’s definitely got a bit of a problem with it. You’re hoping that it wouldn’t have been as long as he’s suggesting. But we’ll see where we are. Julian’s had a bit of a thigh strain, it’s one of those, you’re hoping it’s not going to be as serious as Arne. But it may be, so I can’t give you any… And I seem to just contradict myself most of the time. So by Tuesday, I’ll have a totally different update. And you’ll think to yourself, is he trying to play games? The answer is, I’m not, I just genuinely don’t know. And sometimes, like myself, when I wasn’t having a really great time, I picked up an injury along the way, generally driving. So it was a bit of a problem. I know how players feel.”
Q: The Motherwell manager said that’s a really good advert for Scottish football in terms of entertainment value. After everything that happened in the last seven days, would you go along with that?
Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, I do. He’s done super, absolutely super with his side. Really good, really, really fine footballing team. And dangers all the time. So they take some risks at the back, so do we. But you’re hoping to try and break the press, all those type of things. Imagine me talking about breaking the press at 74. But all of those things, I think I said in the notes, has been a fantastic effort by them. Really, really fantastic. A really fine footballing team. And yeah, well done him.”
Q: What do you take, Martin, from your team coming from behind in such a high-pressure game, as we count down towards the real run-in for the league title? Is it more of this that’s going to be needed?
Martin O’Neill: “Oh, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. We can’t afford it. I thought each game just has its own significance. And I thought that when the fixture list came out after they put in the Aberdeen game, from the time in which they did, I suppose that’s right, because they didn’t want any games leading up to the split. I was worried about the schedule. We’ve come through that schedule. We’re down mostly now to a game per week. And it gives the lads a chance to get some energy back. I don’t know where it takes us today. Today was a big win. The boys have got a lot of confidence from that there, particularly fighting back. In the scheme of things, I genuinely don’t know where that will take us.”
Yang at the double as Celtic take all three points against Motherwell
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/march/14/yang-at-the-double-as-celtic-take-all-three-points-against-motherwell/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
Share
14 Mar 2026, 4:58 pm
Scottish Premiership
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Celtic Park
CELTIC…3
(Yang 38 & 79, Cvancara 72)
MOTHERWELL…1
(Just 32)
Celtic have taken all three points from a thoroughly entertaining match against Motherwell at Celtic Park, with a brace from Yang and a converted penalty from Tomas Cvancara giving Martin O’Neill’s men a 3-1 victory over the Fir Park side.
The visitors started quickly, moving the ball around at pace and with purpose as has become their style this season, and with less than five minutes played, Benjamin Arthur, making his first home start today, produced a good block to prevent a Tawanda Maswanhise shot from troubling Viljami Sinisalo.
Celtic’s first big chance of the match fell to Benjamin Nygren who was presented a golden opportunity just yards out from goal after a failed clearance from the Motherwell defence, but the Swede could not convert the chance.
Sebastian Tounekti then saw a curling effort from the edge of the box go wide of the target after Nygren had picked him out with a nice ball out towards the left wing.
Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain looked like he had put Celtic ahead with just shy of 20 minutes gone when he unleashed a powerful effort towards the bottom corner from outside the box. Motherwell keeper Calum Ward threw himself down towards the shot and pushed it on to the post before the ball trundled along the goal line, Celtic coming agonisingly close to taking the lead.
Benjamin Arthur was the next Celtic man to go close with his headed effort from a Benjamin Nygren corner creeping just over the bar.
Motherwell took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Reo Hatate was caught in possession at the edge of the Celtic box, giving Elijah Just a chance to take a shot on goal. His effort flew in to the bottom corner of the net, giving Motherwell a 1-0 lead.
The Hoops were level five minutes later when a Benjamin Nygren cut back in to the box was cleared only as far as Yang, who swept in to the box and slammed a shot in to the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Just before half time, Motherwell had a big chance to take the lead again, but Callum Slattery’s effort from just inside the area drifted well wide of the target and the sides went in level at the break.
47%
Possession
53%
13
Shots
12
6
Shots On Target
3
2
Corners
3
10
Fouls
10
4
0
Cards
2
1
Martin O’Neill made one change at half time, bringing Tomas Cvancara on for Sebastian Tounekti, with Daizen Maeda moving out to the left.
Celtic worked themselves in to good shooting positions early in the second half, but both Benjamin Nygren and Tomas Cvancara seemed to hesitate in taking their shots. When Nygren did fire a shot towards goal early in the second period, it took a deflection on its way and rattled the base of the post, the woodwork once again coming to Motherwell’s rescue.
Vil Sinisalo was called in to action in the opening exchanges of the second half, producing a strong stop to deny Ibrahim Said, who got a shot on target from outside the penalty area.
With an hour gone, Martin O’Neill made another change, bringing Luke McCowan on for Benjamin Nygren, and shortly after coming on, a corner from McCowan resulted in a penalty for the Hoops, as Daizen Maeda was hauled to the ground at the back post.
After being sent to the VAR monitor, John Beaton pointed to the spot and showed a red card to Emmanuel Longelo before Tomas Cvancara, the penalty hero at Ibrox last week, stepped up and smashed his spot-kick in to the back of the net to make it 2-1 to Celtic.
With 15 minutes of the match left, there were three further changes for the Hoops as Marcelo Saracchi, Anthony Ralston and Paulo Bernardo were brought on for Kieran Tierney, Colby Donovan and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Celtic gave themselves some vital breathing space with just over 10 minutes to go, with Viljami Sinisalo proving that route one football isn’t a forgotten art. The Finnish keeper launched the ball forward towards Yang, who took it in his stride before producing a brilliant finish to make it 3-1 to Celtic and claim his second goal of the afternoon.
In stoppage time, Anthony Ralston fired a shot towards goal from distance, but his effort drifted wide, however the Hoops knew that, with an unassailable lead, the three points were safe.
Celtic: Sinisalo, Donovan (Ralston 78′), Arthur, Scales, Tierney (Saracchi 78′), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Paulo Bernardo 78′), Hatate, Hyunjun Yang, Nygren (McCowan 62′), Tounekti (Čvančara 45′), Maeda
Subs: Čvančara, McCowan, Iheanacho, Paulo Bernardo, Doohan, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
Motherwell: Ward, Sparrow (McGhee 83′), O’Donnell, McGinn, Longelo, Watt, Slattery, Fadinger (Priestman 78′), Said (Bjørgolfsson 78′), Maswanhise (Ross 91′), Just (Nicholson 83′)
Subs: Oxborough, Gordon, McGhee, Halliday, Bjørgolfsson, Nicholson, Priestman, Ross, McAllister
Liam Scales & Yang: Post-match reaction on Celtic TV
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/march/14/liam-scales—yang–post-match-reaction-on-celtic-tv/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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14 Mar 2026, 5:55 pm
Celtic have picked up another massive three points with a convincing 3-1 win over Motherwell at Paradise, with Martin O’Neill’s men having to battle back from a goal down to claim the victory.
Yang was on fire throughout the course of the afternoon, with the Korean winger’s two goals bookending Tomas Cvancara’s strike from the penalty spot.
For the second game in a row, Liam Scales wore the captain’s armband in Callum McGregor’s absence and, alongside today’s Man of the Match Yang, the Irishman spoke to Celtic TV after today’s win and reflected on a good display from the Hoops.
“It’s a massive win.” Scales win. “They’re a really good side Motherwell, they’ve played really good football this year.
“It’s a big win and we need to win all of our games, so this was a good one.
‘We were unlucky with the goal we conceded, we didn’t give them many more big chances, so it was disciplined defensively.’
“At times you’re going to be without the ball and I thought that we were good out of possession.
“Our attacking players were brilliant with their pressing, and the finishes and the goals were brilliant.”
Yang added: “I’m really happy because it was a really important game.
“We could have scored more, but I’m really happy to have scored two.”
Martin O’Neill: We were terrific against a fine Motherwell side
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/march/14/martin-o-neill-/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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14 Mar 2026, 6:16 pm
All eyes were on Celtic Park for this afternoon’s clash between the Hoops and Motherwell, with the away side’s reputation for playing good football preceding them.
What unfolded over the course of the 90 minutes was a thoroughly entertaining match which saw four goals scored, three of which went the way of Martin O’Neill’s men.
Yang continued with his good run of form, grabbing a brace, whilst Tomas Cvancara buried an effort from the penalty spot for the second week in a row, giving Celtic a 3-1 victory.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reflected on a good game of football and a brilliant win for his side.
He said: “The match lived up to its billing. It was a great performance from both teams, a great game of football.
“We knew it was going to be tough for us and that was the case. Motherwell are a fine side.
“We showed a lot of determination after giving them a goal to go one behind and it was a terrific performance.
“Yang was absolutely outstanding, he got the goals that he deserved and I thought Daizen was also brilliant.”
Martin O’Neill singles out Celtic trio, hails ‘big moment’ and addresses Kasper Schmeichel situation
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Chief Football Writer
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/martin-oneill-singles-out-celtic-trio-hails-big-moment-and-addresses-kasper-schmeichel-situation-5800120
Celtic boss dissects the 3-1 win over Motherwell
Martin O’Neill saluted substitute Tomas Cvancara for having the mettle to grab the ball from the experienced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before scoring a crucial penalty against Motherwell to keep Celtic in the Premiership title hunt.
It was the second time in six days that the Czech striker had shown the bravery all No.9s need if they are to succeed at Parkhead. He was also happy to take the final shootout kick against Rangers last weekend to send Celtic into the Scottish Cup semi-finals on a controversial afternoon at Ibrox.
Cvancara’s latest strike midway through the second half against Motherwell was only his second league goal since joining in January. In-form Yang Hyun-Jun scored a double to secure an important 3-1 win.
“I think he took the ball off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, believe it or not,” said an impressed O’Neill. “So that was big, because there’s everything riding on the game.
“He took the penalty, and obviously he had a bit of confidence from scoring on Sunday. But it was a big moment, because like a lot of us, we still have to win the crowd over. So he took it, and that’s well done to him. Then he helped make the last goal for Yang, which gives you a bit of a cushion.”
O’Neill also praised Yang, who has now scored eight goals this season. “I believe that he was about to leave the football club in August time, which was a wee bit strange, I must admit,” he said. “What he’s done in my two spells here has been… well, I couldn’t have asked for anymore, really. Not too far behind him was Daizen Maeda today. I thought he was great in terms of what he does for the team. Goes up and plays centre-forward in the first half, comes wide in the second half. But Yang’s performance was just, as I said, immense.”
O’Neill lauded Motherwell, who took the lead through Elijah Just and at 1-1 and were still pressing for victory before Emmanuel Longelo was judged to have impeded Maeda following a VAR review. He was sent off and Celtic were awarded a penalty.
The manager described the win as a significant statement in a title race that looks set to go to the wire. “I don’t know where it takes us today,” he said. “Today was a big win. The boys have got a lot of confidence from that there, particularly fighting back.”
Meanwhile, O’Neill revealed that goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had trained on Friday although was still not in the squad for the Motherwell game. Viljami Sinisalo continued in goal. The Danish ‘keeper has already ruled himself out of his country’s World Cup play-off later this month against North Macedonia due to a shoulder complaint. “He (Schmeichel) has definitely got a bit of a problem with it,” said O’Neill. “You’re hoping that it wouldn’t have been as long as he’s suggesting. But we’ll see where we are.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd6zex49p69t#Report
At a glance
Just opener hands impressive Motherwell lead
Yang equaliser after defensive blunder follows moments later
Cvancara nets controversial penalty as Longelo sees red before Yang settles win
Celtic keep pressure on Hearts and extend lead over Rangers
ByMartin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Celtic Park
Watch: Celtic v Motherwell highlights
Sportscene
14/03/2026
Watch on iPlayer
Celtic came from behind to snatch a thrilling Scottish Premiership victory over 10-man Motherwell to keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts.
Tomas Cvancara’s penalty and Hyun-jun Yang’s settler proved crucial in the second half for the title-chasing hosts, with Hearts losing to Kilmarnock later on Saturday and third-placed Rangers away to St Mirren on Sunday.
Elijah Just had put the impressive visitors ahead before Yang punished a defensive blunder, akin to the one that undid Jens Berthel Askou’s side on their last visit to this stadium.
Cvancara converted after Emmanuel Longelo was punished for holding in the area, the wing back was then ordered off after video assistant referee (VAR) intervened.
Yang sealed a vital victory that potentially ends Motherwell’s title chances but provided a huge boost to Celtic’s with just eight games remaining for the defending champions.
This contest had thriller written all over it before kick-off. It delivered and then some.
The visitors looked impressive but looked to have fallen behind when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fierce drive was touched on to the post by Calum Ward, the ball squirmed along the line but not over – just.
On chances, Celtic were ahead. On almost every other measure, Motherwell were and got their reward.
Reo Hatate dithered inexplicably on the edge of his own box when isolated. He was caught, the ball fell to Just and he smashed home into the corner to send a sell-out away end into raptures.
The response was swift but gift-wrapped by their opponents.
Yang pounced after Tom Sparrow misplaced a pass in his own box. Benjamin Nygren got there, cut back, Ward parried but it fell perfectly for the South Korean and he smashed home.
Berthel-Askou’s side didn’t flinch, retaining their composure as the teams traded chances with Nygren striking a post.
The noise levels then went through the roof when Ward misjudged a corner, Longelo misjudged his positioning and he, eventually, was deemed to have held Daizen Maeda.
A penalty, a red card and a goal followed, with Yang adding a third to seal a crucial win in this thrilling title fight.
Analysis: Massive win for Celtic as Motherwell cruelly undone
Many looked at Celtic’s recent run of fixtures with doubt as to how they would cope.
Whatever the analysis, the results were near perfect giving a platform to attack the defence of their title.
No let up in the size of the challenge. Motherwell are a big obstacle these days and were just that again.
Yet, Celtic found a way as they seem to keep doing under Martin O’Neill.
This win heaps pressure on Hearts and Rangers. Convincing? Not overly, but you have to admire Celtic’s will to somehow get the job done against tough opposition.
Momentum may just be swinging their way to a degree. At this stage, three points are essential and they have overcome a very big hurdle with just eight games left.
It’s a measure of Motherwell that they had Celtic playing counter attack football at home at times. They set traps for Celtic to play into.
Every time Berthel Askou directed his side, he was pointing towards the opposition goal. They waited for one gap and then were off on attack. They are so accomplished at what they do.
A big mistake, playing in their own box, cost them in a 3-2 defeat here last time they met in Glasgow.
It happened again. Sometimes the risk isn’t worth it, especially when Motherwell had Celtic where they wanted them.
At half-time they had nearly 60% possession. They just lacked a degree of cutting edge or this outcome could easily have been different.
They are likely to question the penalty award and resultant red card. That ended their chances and with it, most likely, their outside hopes of a title fight to the end.
What the managers said
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill tells BBC Scotland: “It’s a big win and to come from behind and play in the matter that we did. Naturally, I’m delighted with the performance.
“Where it comes in the scheme of things, I genuinely don’t know. But today, to play against Motherwell, who are a fine, fine footballing team and fight back with all the things that were mounting up for us, like injuries, the team have found spirit.
“But spirit alone won’t do it for you and they played brilliantly. That’s a delight.
“I think for a neutral, not that I am one, I think it was a great game of football.”
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: “Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning and now we have got nothing out of the last two games even though we have put a lot in.
“The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good and our pressing was at times extremely good and it made them change their strategies.
“We got a goal from it and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do.
“It could go both ways and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game.
“It’s a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result.”
What next?
‘Sensational’ Yang shows impact as Celtic keep believing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqlgn6vk6rxo
Celtic winger Yang.Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Yang’s double helped Celtic to a vital three points against Motherwell.
ByAndy Coyle
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
14 March 2026
Sportscene
14/03/2026
Watch on iPlayer
If Celtic manage to come through what has been a tumultuous season and lift the Scottish Premiership trophy again in May, they may well look back on the hard-fought 3-1 win over Motherwell as a big moment in a remarkable story.
While the comeback after Elijah Just’s goal for the visitors was notable as another example of the attitude Martin O’Neill has instilled in his side, the identity of the key man in the victory is another surprise in a season that’s defied predictions.
If everything had gone to plan, Hyun-jun Yang would have been playing a part in Birmingham City’s Championship campaign after being deemed surplus to requirements last summer.
That move fell through and the player looked destined to remain as a bit-part player in Brendan Rodgers’ side, making only a few appearances before the Northern Irishman’s shock departure in October.
Despite being used as a wing-back briefly under Wilfried Nancy, the South Korean also seemed to be on the sidelines in the second half of the season as Celtic looked to the January transfer window.
Yang double helps Celtic to crucial win over Motherwell
Instead, Yang has scored six times in the league since Christmas, chipping in with goals as Celtic have kept in the title race.
Only three players: Tawanda Maswanhise, Youssef Chermiti and Yang’s team-mate Benjamin Nygren have more.
As Motherwell’s Maswanhise drew a blank in the showdown at Celtic Park, Yang struck twice, perfectly placed to coolly stroke in the leveller, and then racing through the middle to smack in Celtic’s third and ensure three points, effectively ending the Fir Park side’s slim title hopes.
“He was sensational,” Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said. “Sensational in every aspect of the game.
“Going forward, with the goals he scored, the energy and the willingness to work back, it was a monumental performance by him.”
O’Neill said that the 23-year-old was “on a high” in the dressing room after the final whistle, and Yang might feel entitled to celebrate after a spell that’s shown why the club lured him from Gangwon FC almost three years ago.
He might also think he’s starting to dispel any notion that Celtic will look to move him on again this summer.
The winger’s contribution has been far more than just a couple of eye-catching finishes at the right moment, with the stats showing how he has developed into a consistent threat.
Only Nygren has over performed his expected goals (xG) by more than he has with six goals from 3.82 xG.
And, perhaps surprisingly, Yang has the best conversion rate of any player in the league with 20+ shots, better than Nygren, Chermiti, Aberdeen’s Kevin Nisbet and Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, an argument that Celtic would be better off if they had played him more than they have.
There seems little doubt that O’Neill will continue to call on the attacker for what looks like a nail-biting run-in as they continue to hunt down leaders Hearts.
The manager has options to weigh up in every game as he looks to find the right blend up front but after a performance he described as “wonderful” he’ll be finding a way to keep Yang in his side, and in form.
The summer transfer collapse was a sliding doors moment for a player who has struggled to convince up to that point.
A few more performances like the one against Motherwell, and it could yet prove to be a significant part of a successful league season for Celtic.
Askou surprised Celtic star escaped red card vs Motherwell
By Josh McCafferty
Sports Writer
It looked like Elijah Just had been at war after Motherwell’s 3-1 defeat to Celtic on Saturday afternoon, with manager Jens Berthel Askou surprised that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did not see red for his tackle on the midfielder.
“He’s very, very sore,” Askou said of Just. “He looks swollen down the leg. It doesn’t look good. It looks like he’s been at war.
“You have to take the cuts and the bruises and the knocks and then trust that the referees will do what they need to do to look after him. I can’t see why he wasn’t called to the monitor in that case, but, done is done.
“I don’t see anything vicious in the tackle, it’s just a little bit clumsy, coincidental, but it’s still a tackle that almost wipes out Eli’s opportunity of going to the World Cup.
“Thank God, he was able to keep playing. And then there’s another incident with the same player [Oxlade-Chamberlain] fouling Ibi [Ibrahim Said]. [He] could have had his second yellow there, maybe should.
“And these are the things that you also sometimes need to go your way. If not, then you have to be extraordinarily good to counter that. And we were good, but not that good.”
On the penalty that led to Celtic’s go-ahead goal and Manny Longelo’s red card, Askou added, “You can argue that Manny [Longelo] is holding him a little bit too long. [Daizen] Maeda’s also trying…. they’re wrestling.
“You see that situation a million times. Obviously, often the ball doesn’t end there. If the ball hadn’t gone there, it would never have turned into a penalty.
“There’s an opportunity for the referee to argue that there’s a holding offence. And that’s hard to argue against. I know Manny is gutted right now that he didn’t control that situation better than he did.
“And then obviously we get the double punishment with the red card, which gave us a mountain to climb at that point, because we were actually, I think, in very good control of the game there, ready to really accelerate and push for the last 20-25 minutes to get the win.”