History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
