Kelechi Iheanacho converted a controversial penalty in the 99th minute as Celtic fought back to defeat Motherwell 3-2 in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday. The win kept Celtic in the title race ahead of the final day.
Motherwell took control from the start at Fir Park. Elliot Watt volleyed the hosts into a 17th-minute lead with a strike from 22 yards. Celtic struggled to create clear chances in the opening period. The visitors gradually improved towards halftime.
Daizen Maeda equalised for Celtic in the 41st minute. He fired the ball past goalkeeper Calum Ward after a fortunate break in the penalty area. The goal lifted Celtic, but Motherwell maintained pressure after the restart.
Benjamin Nygren restored Motherwell’s lead with a fine strike in the 58th minute. Celtic pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Liam Gordon, a former Hearts defender, appeared to secure victory for Motherwell when he scored in the 85th minute.
Referee John Beaton reviewed a handball incident involving Sam Nicholson after a VAR intervention. Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty deep into stoppage time. Iheanacho stepped up and calmly slotted the spot-kick past Calum Ward. The goal sparked pitch invasions by delighted Celtic fans.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill praised the team’s character after the match. “The boys never gave up,” he said. The result left Celtic one point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian. Celtic will face Hearts on the final day in a title decider. Motherwell now fight for European qualification on Saturday.
