Sunday October 25th 2026
Both teams supported the Show Racism the Red Card campaign at the start of the game.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Adam Bowen
Celtic travelled to Easter Road in full confidence following a 7-1 thrashing of Hibernian rivals Hearts, last week. Although a disappointing European defeat midweek to Celta Vigo may have dented that slightly.
With Rangers winning 4-0 yesterday against 10-man St Johnstone it was up to Celtic to win in the capital today, to maintain their 4-point advantage. Although a loss would still see them top of the league by the end of the weekend.
Hibs had a tough task, winless under new manager Reedijk, they would want to try and get something out of the game. However, the league champions are the last team you’d be wanting to play when you’re chasing a point.
Reedijk did say after last week’s defeat to Falkirk that he saw improvements from the week before so he would be wishing for an even better performance today.
One change for Hibs this afternoon following last week’s defeat, Abduli dropped to the bench with McGrath coming in. However, it was announced shortly before the match that Joe Newell would start instead of Boyle due to illness.
Celtic only had one change as well following their European defeat to Celta Vigo at home on Thursday night. Kasper Hogh, who hasn’t got off to the goalscoring start many thought he would, started today with Hassan dropping to the bench.
Martin O’Neill also stuck with Sam Johnstone in goal from Thursday night, so Sinisalo would start on the bench again.
Good news for Celtic as Carter Vickers and Johnstone returned to the squad.
It was a very quick start for Hibs and just 2 minutes in, last minute replacement, Newell, took a free kick quickly playing a slide rule pass through for Elding who, from a tight angle, calmly dispatched it into the bottom right corner.
Jubilation lasted only 2 minutes, as Nygrens corner curled towards goal where it came off Hibs defender Kerr, and into the back of the net.
Hibs were to thank Sallinger for keeping them in the game as he produced a brilliant save from a close-range effort not long after.
There were many good opportunities for both teams throughout the first half but far too many misplaced passes stopped them from becoming dangerous chances.
Just before halftime, Klidge had a great chance after Kerr’s free kick found him through on goal, ball bouncing he went to lob it over Johnstone, but he missed the target.
Celtic went up the other end, playing it fast before the ball fell for Celtics top goalscorer, Duran, on the edge of the box whose little shoulder drop bought him space, where he curled one into the far-left corner.
Halftime 1-2.
Alistair Johnston made his return in the 51st minute for Colby Donovan after just over 2 months on the sideline due to a hamstring injury. Devastatingly, just 20 minutes into his return he came off the pitch and went straight down the tunnel, looking very dejected.
Hogh – who didn’t manage to score again today – and Osmand made way for Hassan and Jota in the 64th min.
Celtic were really dominating the ball between the hour mark and the 75th minute, getting into the Hibs box repeatedly but couldn’t quite find the finishing touch.
Carter Vickers made his return after suffering a muscle strain during the international break, coming on in the 74th minute.
Hanley came on for Chaiwa in the 83rd minute but he went and played up front, leading to many fans being confused in the stadium; but I think the fans found it almost exciting at the same time. Could this be a tactical masterclass by Reedijk?
Hanley touched the ball down brilliantly, flicking it on to Suto who played Passlack, driving forward he cut it back for Mulligan who couldn’t convert, he probably should have scored, although credit to the returning Carter Vickers for blocking the attempt.
Hibs kept pushing trying to find an equaliser. Every time the ball was near Hanley there were huge roars of encouragement. It did work as his press resulted in Celtic playing the ball out of play on numerous occasions.
Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, Hibs threw everything at it but couldn’t find the goal, Celtic went back to Glasgow with all 3 points.
Martin O’Neill, reflecting on his team’s win said
“Performance wasn’t that fantastic, blustery conditions probably didn’t help, didn’t play great, but to me, I thought it was the best win in the season.
“Coming here, it doesn’t matter where Hibs are placed in the league. It’s always been difficult”
Hibs boss Reedijk, placed his thoughts on the game
“If you see that we come in three minutes, one nil up and then concede the goal two minutes later. Then I think how we then put our heads up, within the position we’re in and how we then show ourselves. That’s what I call bravery, that’s what I call togetherness, and that’s what I want to see from my team.
“Also then, Boyle steps out last minute because he was sick and he didn’t feel right to play, and then Joe comes in last minute. This is togetherness
“And I put Grant (Hanley) on a position where he never played before, I think. And he impacted the game, and that’s togetherness.”
Both teams look towards Wednesday night with Hibs playing St Mirren in Paisley, whilst Celtic host Dundee United.
However, the game every Hibs fan will be looking forward to all week, is the Edinburgh Derby on Sunday at Hampden. The winner booking themselves a ticket, in the final of the Premier Sports Cup.
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