Dramatic last day decider 

Celtic break Hearts as 20th title this century eclipses Bayern Munich

©TM/IMAGO

In the most remarkable season in Scottish football history, Celtic were crowned champions after defeating Hearts 3-1 in the title decider. It all came down to the final game of the game with Hearts travelling through to Glasgow with a one-point advantage. Derek McInnes’ men had occupied top spot for 226 days since October as they aimed to defy all the odds and win their first title in 66 years.

Hearts needed a point to be crowned champions and they came agonisingly close to achieving one of the biggest underdog stories ever in British football, but Daizen Maeda broke their hearts with the winning goal in the 87 minutes – Callum Osmand sealed it late on. Jubilant Celtic fans burst onto the pitch in celebration but they spilled over with reports of several Hearts players being assaulted in scenes, which soured one of the most enthralling title races ever. Celtic have continued their complete dominance of Scottish football with veteran manager Martin O’Neill instrumental to winning their record-breaking 56th league title.

How Celtic’s dominance ranks against European rivals

It’s been the definition of a rollercoaster season for Celtic and they were written off by many before silencing their critics to be crowned champions. The Hoops have had three managers this season with Brendan Rodgers resigning in October with O’Neill installed as interim before returning after the disastrous appointment of Wilfried Nancy. The 74-year-old already enjoyed hero status in the East End of Glasgow but the admiration that he’s held in has increased tenfold after resurrecting Celtic’s campaign by installing calm.

Celtic have dominated Scottish football for decades and they’ve remarkably now won 20 titles this century – they also moved ahead of Rangers in overall Scottish top-flight titles. Incredibly, Lincoln Red Imps are the only European club to win more domestic league titles this century than Celtic. They’ve won 23 league titles in Gibraltar and Celtic are now level with Dinamo Zagreb and ahead of Bayern Munich.