Shock Defeats for Celtic and Rangers in Scottish Premiership: Hibs and St Mirren Take the Spotlight

Celtic's Unforeseen Struggle at Easter Road

February 22, 2025, was not a day to remember for Celtic fans. As the league leaders, a defeat by Hibernian was the last thing they expected. The match at Easter Road saw Hibs take the lead with two first-half goals from the talented Josh Campbell. His performance not only frustrated Celtic but ignited hopes for Hibernian's climb up the league table. Despite Daizen Maeda's response in the 68th minute, narrowing the lead to 2-1, Celtic couldn't break through Hibs solid defense until the final whistle. Moreover, with a full week of recovery from a previous Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, many expected a stronger showing from Celtic, making this loss perplexing for fans and analysts alike.

This match derived tension not just on the scoreboard but in the very fabric of the game: eight minutes of injury time added to the anticipation, with Celtic pressuring relentlessly. However, Hibs held firm, securing a victory that places them fifth in the league—a morale boost for the team and fans. Celtic's defeat, however, does little to compromise their first-place position, keeping them 13 points clear of the competition.

Rangers' Troubling Day at Ibrox

Down in Glasgow, Rangers faced their own set of challenges against St Mirren. Mikael Mandron opened the scoring for St Mirren in a controversial decision that required a VAR review to overturn an initial offside call. This pivotal moment set the tone for Rangers' struggles as they failed to respond adequately to the setback.

The second goal from Toyosi Olusanya, a splendid late curler, iced the game at 2-0, delivering an emphatic message: St Mirren is a force to reckon with. This loss marks Rangers' first league defeat since Boxing Day—a fact that sheds light on their inconsistent form under manager Philippe Clement, who has recently faced pressure despite prior support from the club's hierarchy. The victory propels St Mirren into a respectable spot in the top six, while Rangers must now reassess their strategy moving forward.

For the fans of both Celtic and Rangers, this weekend served as a reminder of the unpredictability that football often offers. As the season progresses, every match tells a story that could change the league narrative, and this weekend's results have certainly made things more interesting.