Kelechi Iheanacho emerged the hero for Celtic F.C. after converting a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to seal a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Motherwell F.C. in Wednesday night’s Scottish Premiership clash.
The Nigerian forward calmly dispatched the decisive spot-kick deep into added time after a Video Assistant Referee review awarded Celtic a penalty for handball against former Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson.
Nicholson had attempted to clear the ball with a header, but the ball struck his raised arm at close range, prompting referee John Beaton to review the incident after being alerted by VAR official Andrew Dallas.
Iheanacho showed composure under immense pressure as he slotted home the winner, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Celtic supporters, many of whom invaded the pitch after the final whistle.
The dramatic finish completed an impressive fightback from Celtic, who had looked set to drop crucial points in the title race after former Hearts defender Liam Gordon scored an 85th-minute equaliser for Motherwell.
Celtic entered the encounter knowing victory was essential to keep pressure on league leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. ahead of a potentially decisive showdown this weekend.
However, the champions struggled for long periods and appeared unlikely to find a late winner until the VAR intervention in stoppage time changed the course of the match.
The result keeps Celtic firmly in the Premiership title race and sets up a high-stakes encounter against Hearts on Saturday.
Hearts remain one point clear at the top after securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Falkirk F.C. despite missing several key players.
For Motherwell, the defeat was a painful setback in their push for European qualification.
The hosts had briefly looked destined to strengthen their chances of finishing fourth, but late drama — combined with Hibernian F.C. securing a late win at Ibrox — means Motherwell must now avoid defeat against Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday to keep their European hopes alive.
Iheanacho’s latest contribution further highlights his growing importance to Celtic during the closing stages of the campaign, with the Nigerian striker continuing to deliver in crucial moments as the title battle reaches its climax.
