Motherwell 2 – 0 Celtic – itstargetnews.com

Motherwell taught Celtic a lesson as they missed another chance to end 2025 at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

It was Wilfried Nancy’s second chance to catch leaders Hearts but they were second after the first whistle at Fir Park.

Ibrahim Said opened the scoring with a header from Stephen O’Donnell’s fine cross and Elliot Watt once again took advantage of poor Celtic defending to double the lead.

The Hoops managed just three shots against Jens Bertel Ascu’s side, who always looked in control.

They are now just three points ahead of Rangers and face an established side next Saturday, sky sports live. Motherwell’s first win over Celtic since 2013 moves them into fourth place.

grace and disaster

Nancy was outmaneuvered by Jens Berthel Askou, who has lost fewer games as Motherwell boss than his rivals since joining Celtic mid-season.

Motherwell had taken control of the game in the 14th minute when O’Donnell played a long ball in behind the Celtic defense and Said headed home from seven yards.

The home side led for the remainder of the second half while the visiting fans took to the board to vent their frustrations.

The home side had chances to extend their lead before the break, taking six shots on goal. Lukas Fadinger hit back unnecessarily after a clean cut and only came close twice, with Johnny Koutroumbis’s low shot saved by Schmeichel.

Motherwell struggled in terms of possession statistics in the first half but looked more purposeful in possession, although they gave the fans some tense moments in their own half.

The half-time break was a huge test for Nancy’s ability to influence the game, with three substitutions being made. Shin Yamada, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan replace Maeda, Bernardo and Kieran Tierney.

It didn’t take long for Celtic to be saved on the stroke of half-time, but had a great chance when the previously underwhelming Benjamin Nygren came on for Yamada. The Japanese striker is still looking for his first goal in Scottish football after Callum Ward stopped his incredible shot.

Celtic’s frustration showed as Auston Trusty, Hartart and Anthony Ralston were booked for cynical fouls, but the home side doubled their lead in the 58th minute.

Schmeichel passed the ball to Engels, the ball was intercepted, and Watt swept in and scored.

Nancy made all the changes midway through the half with the introduction of Colby Donovan and James Forrest.

But Motherwell continued to threaten on the break, with Schmeichel saving from Juster and Slattery.

Celtic’s frustration grew. Credible twice pushed his opponent but escaped a second yellow card, while Scales was booked for his sixth foul.

The visitors finally found some pressure and looked like giving Celtic a lifeline when Nygren fired into the top corner, but Ward leapt to deflect the ball away to ensure he kept a seventh clean sheet in eight games.

Motherwell boss doesn’t win ‘statement’

motherwell manager Jens Bertel Asku Sky Sports News:

“This was probably our best overall performance in this league so far. We knew it was probably the one game we needed to win against the big teams and we’ve performed well against all those teams but we’ve only won one game against Hibs.

“Overall, it was a very, very good performance today and the players performed well.

“It’s very pleasing but it’s not our business to declare results every game. It’s a matter for the fans and they give the players some personal attention and so on.

“It’s important for us to have a statement result throughout the season. All results are results and they mean the same thing, but it means a lot to everyone who supports us.”