Can Hearts still claim Premiership title after Celtic's late penalty drama?

Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership by one point but must avoid defeat against Celtic at home to secure their first title since 1960.

Dramatic title race twist At one point on Wednesday, Hearts stood on the brink of becoming Scottish Premiership champions. Moments later, their focus shifted to avoiding a three-goal loss at Celtic Park on Saturday to claim their first league title since 1960. But the night ended in controversy, with Celtic scoring a contentious penalty in the 99th minute to beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park, leaving just one point between the top two sides. Hearts players celebrated a 3-0 home win over Falkirk as the Celtic victory unfolded, leaving their title hopes hanging by a thread. ## Final showdown looms Now, Derek McInnes' team must avoid defeat in front of 60,000 roaring Celtic supporters on Saturday—and do so without key players—to become the first non-Old Firm side to win the Scottish title in over 40 years. Hearts have remained unbeaten in three meetings with Celtic this season, but the defending champions have surged to six straight league wins under Martin O'Neill as they chase a 14th title in 15 seasons. The stage is set for an unforgettable clash, but has Hearts missed their golden opportunity? ## Hearts hold psychological edge Hearts can take heart from their recent performances against Celtic. In October, they dismantled Brendan Rodgers' side 3-1 at Tynecastle to strengthen their title bid. Two months later, they traveled to Glasgow and upset Wilfried Nancy's first match as Celtic manager, winning 2-1 in a spirited display. Most recently, Celtic were denied victory in Gorgie by Claudio Braga's late equalizer. 'We've been there and won a couple of times during my time as a Hearts player,' captain Lawrence Shankland said after the midweek win over Falkirk. 'We go there confident and we've been top of the league all season. It's a 90-minute cup final. If you offered us that at the start of the season we would have taken it.' ## Experts back Hearts' title bid Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart remains confident in his former club's chances. 'There's no reason why Hearts can't win the title,' he told Sportscene. 'As much as there's disappointment, scepticism and a lot of ill-will coming off the back of [Wednesday], Hearts need to focus on the positives. They are capable of getting the result they need to win the trophy.' ## Celtic Park pressure mounts While Hearts have been unbeatable at home in the league with 15 wins and four draws, their away form has been shakier, featuring five losses and four draws from 18 trips. Celtic Park is a daunting fortress, yet Hearts have already beaten them there this season, just as Rangers and Hibernian have. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes the home crowd will be decisive. 'It's going to be so nervy,' he said. 'I think 60,000 fans at Celtic Park will make a difference. It would have been different if was a draw [at Fir Park] and Celtic had to score three or four goals. But at home, to win a title in front of your own fans on the last day of the season, that's how the [Celtic] players and manager would want to do it.' 'I don't think Celtic will blow Hearts away but I do think they will get the job done,' he added on Sportsound. 'The energy from the crowd will be through the roof.' ## Injury cloud over Tynecastle Both sides have battled injuries all season, and Hearts will be missing key defender Craig Halkett and influential midfielder Marc Leonard due to Achilles surgery. McInnes fielded Harry Milne and Cammy Devlin in their places on Wednesday, but can the squad summon the same physical and emotional reserves just three days later? Despite his fury over the decision that gifted Celtic victory at Motherwell, McInnes remains defiant and eager for the challenge ahead. 'We're delighted to be part of it,' he said. 'To do it, we're going to have to go and get a positive result. What a game it's going to be.' ## Historic moment approaches A fourth unbeaten result against their closest rivals would secure one of the most improbable triumphs in Scottish football history. The tension was palpable at Tynecastle on Wednesday, both on the pitch and in the stands, reflecting the high stakes. With the league on the line, every moment in this final showdown will carry immense weight. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to a season of unexpected twists and emotional highs.