Daizen Maeda struck a dramatic injury-time winner as Celtic edged past a determined Motherwell side in a thrilling Scottish Premiership clash at Celtic Park.
The Japanese forward headed in Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s pinpoint cross to spark wild celebrations and secure a crucial 3-2 victory, rescuing Celtic from what looked like another frustrating result.
Motherwell had come within minutes of earning their first win at Celtic Park in over a decade.
After Callum McGregor’s shot was handled in the box, Kelechi Iheanacho gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot.
But defensive errors proved costly for Celtic.
Anthony Ralston’s misplaced pass led to Tawanda Maswanhise’s cross being buried by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos to equalise.
The striker then doubled his tally from the spot after Marcelo Saracchi fouled Maswanhise inside the area, with VAR confirming the decision.
Celtic’s lifeline came when visiting goalkeeper Calum Ward’s poor clearance fell straight to Benjamin Nygren, who calmly slotted home.
With the clock running down, Celtic poured forward, and Maeda’s close-range header sealed all three points for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Analysis: Grit Saves Celtic as Costly Error Haunts MotherwellCeltic’s persistence paid off, but the performance raised familiar concerns.
Rodgers’ team lacked rhythm for long spells, and only sheer determination – not fluency – saw them over the line.
Maeda’s late heroics could mark a turning point after recent struggles, but Celtic still need to rediscover their cutting edge.
Motherwell, meanwhile, will take pride from a brave display.
Jens Berthel-Askou’s men pressed intelligently, defended well for most of the match, and looked composed in possession.
However, one costly mistake gifted Celtic a way back – a painful lesson in a game they came agonisingly close to winning.
