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Match Report: Celtic 1–2 Hibernian
Scottish Premiership | Sunday 22nd February 2026 | Celtic Park, Glasgow
What Happened?
Yesterday, Hibernian (also called "Hibs") beat Celtic 2–1 at Celtic Park in Glasgow. This was a surprise result because Celtic are the defending champions and were playing at home.
The match was exciting and dramatic. There were goals, a red card, and a late winner that shocked the home crowd.
How the Game Unfolded
First Half
Hibs started well. After 24 minutes, Felix Passlack scored the first goal with a header from a cross by Nicky Cadden. Hibs were winning 1–0.
Celtic pushed hard to equalise. Just before half-time, Benjamin Nygren scored with a diving header. It was his 18th goal of the season. At half-time, the score was 1–1.
Second Half
Celtic started the second half strongly. They attacked again and again, but they could not score. Then, something important happened.
In the 73rd minute, Celtic defender Auston Trusty was shown a red card. He punched Jamie McGrath during a corner kick. Celtic now had only 10 players. This changed the game completely.
Hibs took advantage of the extra player. In the 87th minute, substitute Kai Andrews, a 19-year-old on loan from Coventry City, received the ball at the edge of the penalty area. He stayed calm and scored with a low finish into the bottom corner. 2–1 to Hibs!
Celtic could not respond. The final score was Celtic 1–2 Hibernian.
Why Is This Result Important?
This was a big upset. Celtic's manager, the famous Martin O'Neill, lost a domestic league match for the first time since returning to the club.
For Hibs, it was their first win at Celtic Park in 16 years — since 2010. Their manager, David Gray, was very happy.
The result also affects the title race. Celtic are now six points behind the league leaders, Hearts. With fewer games remaining, it will be very difficult for Celtic to win the league.
Glossary
Word / Phrase | Meaning |
header | a shot or pass made with the head |
red card | a card shown to a player who must leave the pitch; their team plays with one fewer player |
substitute | a player who comes on during the match to replace another player |
defender | a player whose main job is to stop the other team from scoring |
equalise | to score a goal so that both teams have the same score |
penalty area | the large rectangle in front of each goal; a foul here can result in a penalty kick |
upset | a surprising result, when the weaker team wins |
title race | the competition between clubs to finish first and win the league |
on loan | when a player temporarily plays for a different club |
home crowd | the fans who support the team playing at their own stadium |
Vocabulary Exercise
Fill in the gaps with the correct word from the box below.
equalise | red card | substitute | upset | header
Passlack scored the first goal with a __________, using his head to connect with the cross.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty received a __________ after punching an opponent. He had to leave the pitch.
Benjamin Nygren came to the rescue to __________ just before half-time, making the score 1–1.
Kai Andrews came on as a __________ late in the game and scored the winning goal.
Hibs beating Celtic was a big __________. Nobody expected the away team to win.
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Answers Below
Answers: 1. header | 2. red card | 3. equalise | 4. substitute | 5. upset
