Can the Old Firm Handle the Pressure in This Thrilling Title Race?

In a dramatic weekend for the Scottish Premiership, both Celtic and Rangers stumbled, allowing Hearts and Motherwell to gain crucial ground in the title race. The Glasgow giants dropped points in their matches, with Celtic suffering a home defeat to Hibernian and Rangers held to a draw against bottom club Livingston. This shift in momentum has intensified the competition as Hearts now lead the table, while Motherwell continues their impressive run.

Last updated: 24 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish Premiership title race has become increasingly unpredictable, with recent performances from both Celtic and Rangers raising concerns among supporters and analysts alike. After a weekend where Rangers could only manage a 2-2 draw against Livingston and Celtic faced a 2-1 defeat at home to Hibernian, the pressure is mounting. Hearts have capitalised on these missteps, extending their lead at the top of the table, while Motherwell's recent form suggests they could soon challenge the Glasgow clubs for higher positions.

Key takeaways

Hearts now lead the Scottish Premiership, four points ahead of Rangers and six ahead of Celtic.
Celtic's recent defeats have raised questions about their squad depth and managerial decisions.
Motherwell's resurgence places them as serious contenders in the title race.

Timeline: how we got here

Key events in the Scottish Premiership leading to this point include:

10 February 2026: Celtic defeats St. Johnstone, maintaining pressure at the top.
11 February 2026: Rangers win against Aberdeen, keeping pace with Celtic.
23 February 2026: Hearts secure a narrow victory against Falkirk, moving to the top of the table.
24 February 2026: Celtic loses to Hibernian, while Rangers draw with Livingston.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following the latest matches, Celtic's defeat has led to intensified discussions around their squad's weaknesses and the effectiveness of manager Martin O'Neill's strategies. Meanwhile, Rangers have come under scrutiny for their inability to secure a win against a struggling Livingston team.

What was already established

It has been clear that both Celtic and Rangers have been under pressure in recent weeks, with their performances inconsistent compared to their historical dominance in the league. Hearts and Motherwell's strong recent form was already noted, setting the stage for a potential shift in the title race.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the title race heats up, local businesses around stadiums may see increased foot traffic, especially during match days. The sporting climate can influence local economies, particularly in areas heavily reliant on football patronage.

Businesses and jobs

Football clubs are significant employers in their respective regions. With the title race intensifying, clubs like Hearts and Motherwell are likely to see increased investment and attention, potentially leading to job creation in various capacities within the clubs and surrounding areas.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) may face increased scrutiny regarding officiating after controversial decisions during the recent matches. Calls for VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to be more effectively implemented may arise from clubs and fans alike.

Numbers that matter

4: Points separating Hearts and Rangers at the top of the table.
6: Points between Hearts and Celtic, who have a game in hand.
10: Goals conceded by Motherwell in their last 15 matches, showcasing their defensive strength.
2: Consecutive league defeats for Celtic, raising concerns among their fanbase.
5: Goals scored by Motherwell in their recent match against St Mirren, highlighting their attacking prowess.

Definitions and jargon buster

SPFL: Scottish Professional Football League, the governing body for professional football in Scotland.
Old Firm: The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, regarded as one of the fiercest in world football.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the title race progresses, fans should keep an eye on upcoming fixtures, notably the Old Firm derby on 3 March 2026. This match will be crucial for both teams as they look to regain momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The next few months will be critical for all clubs involved in the title race. With ten matches remaining, injuries and form will play significant roles in determining final placements. Clubs will also be closely monitoring the transfer market for potential reinforcements.

Signals to watch

Upcoming match results, particularly involving Hearts, Motherwell, Celtic, and Rangers.
Injury reports from key players that could impact team performance.
Fan sentiment and attendance figures, which can influence club morale and financial health.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about match schedules and results to gauge the title race dynamics.
Engage with local businesses supporting the clubs, especially on match days.

Don’t

Underestimate the potential for surprises in the title race; anything can happen in football.
Neglect to support your local club, regardless of the league position.

Checklist

Check match fixtures weekly for updates on the title race.
Follow player injuries and transfers closely.
Engage with the community through local events related to your club.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

With the title race still open, unexpected injuries and changes in form could significantly alter the standings. Furthermore, managerial decisions and potential boardroom changes at Celtic raise questions about the club's immediate future. The impact of off-field issues, such as fan protests, may also affect team morale and performance.

Bottom line

The Scottish Premiership title race has reached a critical juncture, with Hearts and Motherwell emerging as serious contenders amid the struggles of Celtic and Rangers. As they navigate the remaining matches, all teams will need to focus on consistency and performance to achieve their goals.

FAQs

What does the recent drop in form for Celtic mean for their title chances?

Celtic's recent defeats have put them on the back foot in the title race, with increased pressure to perform in upcoming matches to maintain any chance of competing for the crown.

How are Hearts managing to maintain their lead at the top?

Hearts have been consistent in their performances, securing crucial wins, which has allowed them to build a buffer at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

What can fans expect from the upcoming Old Firm derby?

The Old Firm derby promises to be a highly competitive match, with both teams needing a win to boost their title ambitions and regain momentum in the league.