The Scottish Premiership title gap has tightened over the last two rounds, with Rangers dropping points at Hibernian on Matchday 24 before Hearts unexpectedly surrendered their six-point advantage a week later. Celtic, meanwhile, remain close enough to ensure there is no margin for error.
Rangers’ trip to Easter Road ended in frustration as they were held to a 0-0 draw against a well-organised Hibernian. Danny Röhl’s team struggled to create clear openings and were repeatedly rescued by Jack Butland, whose sharp reflexes kept Elie Youan and Martin Boyle off the scoresheet. The visitors briefly thought they had secured all three points when substitute Mikey Moore found the net in the 75th minute, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. The draw left Rangers six points behind leaders Hearts and level on points with Celtic, turning what was meant to be a pressure-building weekend into another missed opportunity.
That result looked even more significant a few days later, when Hearts stumbled in Paisley. Derek McInnes’ team, who had been enjoying a lead at the top of the table, suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat away to St Mirren. Playing much of the match with ten men after Craig Halkett’s red card, Hearts battled to protect their advantage but were beaten late on by Miguel Freckleton’s goal in the 88th minute. The loss sharply cut their advantage and shifted the mood of the title race from control to caution.
Celtic’s involvement across these rounds has been quieter, but no less important. The reigning champions, while not dominating the headlines, continue to keep themselves within touching distance at the top. With games still to be played and after their away match with Aberdeen was postponed, their position ensures the pressure remains firmly on both Hearts and Rangers.
Taken together, Matchdays 24 and 25 have reshaped the narrative — Rangers will look back on Easter Road as a missed opportunity, Hearts have seen their cushion reduced by an unexpected slip, and Celtic are still close enough to turn this into a three-way fight as the season heads into its decisive stretch.
“Heart of Midlothian” by Neal. is licensed under CC BY 2.0.