Celtic FC kept control of the Scottish Premiership title race in their own hands after a 3-1 victory over Rangers FC, inspired by a brilliant double from Daizen Maeda.

The win reduces the gap to leaders Heart of Midlothian FC to just one point, with two matches remaining. The title race is set for a dramatic finish, with Hearts also facing a tough trip to Celtic Park on the final day of the season.

Maeda’s resurgence in form has powered Celtic’s late-season push for a 14th league title in 15 years. The Japan international has now scored 14 goals this season, with six of them coming in his last four appearances.

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill hailed the forward’s impact, saying: “Extraordinary performance from Daizen Maeda. His second goal was just unbelievable.”

He added: “We’re still in it, we’re still fighting, and that’s the most important thing to come out of today.”

Rangers FC’s title hopes have been ended after three consecutive defeats, confirming that Danny Rohl’s side will finish the season in third place.

The recent poor run has derailed what had previously been a strong position for Rangers heading into the post-split fixtures, leaving them unable to stay in the title race.

Rohl admitted the disappointment after the latest setback, saying: “We had a great position before the split, and this is hard to take and we have to improve and develop quick.”

He added: “I will take a lot from the last three games to be prepared the best way possible. I will lead this group, and I am clear about what we have to improve.”

The visitors made a dream start when Mikey Moore, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, capitalised on sloppy defending from Celtic FC to score a simple tap-in after just nine minutes.

However, the hosts responded swiftly, with Yang Hyun-jun finishing off a low delivery from Arne Engels to bring Celtic level.

The momentum then fully swung in Celtic’s favour just before the hour mark as Daizen Maeda struck twice in the space of three minutes to seal a crucial victory — their first league win over Rangers FC since September 2024.

Maeda first converted a cross from Kieran Tierney before producing a spectacular looping overhead kick that flew into the far corner, sending the 60,000-strong crowd into wild celebrations.

Heart of Midlothian FC have led the Scottish Premiership for much of the season as they chase history, aiming to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the title in 41 years.

The Edinburgh side could secure the championship as early as Wednesday if they beat Falkirk FC and Celtic FC lose away to Motherwell FC.

However, if results go differently, the title race will remain alive until the final stretch, with Hearts set to travel to the East End of Glasgow in six days’ time in what could become a decisive showdown.