Celtic stage late comeback to snatch victory at Rugby Park
Sunday at Rugby Park (ET) — Kilmarnock looked on course for a famous result after racing into a two-goal lead, but Celtic produced a stirring late fightback to take all three points in a dramatic turnaround that will reverberate across the title race and the battle at the foot of the table.
Match report: Killie stunned as visitors recover
Kilmarnock began the contest with energy and belief, putting a top-flight heavyweight on the back foot and converting that intensity into a two-goal advantage before the visitors found their feet. The home crowd sensed a statement result as Killie probed and threatened on the break, giving their side a platform to protect a lead in front of their supporters.
Celtic, second-half understudies for long spells, gradually shifted the momentum. What had looked like a comfortable cushion for the hosts evaporated as the visitors tightened up defensively and found more purposeful patterns going forward. Two quick strikes late in the game levelled the scores and left the home side shell-shocked.
The winner came even later, a composed finish that completed the turnaround and sent the travelling contingent into raptures. For Celtic, the victory was a demonstration of resilience; for Kilmarnock, it was a bitter lesson in game management and how quickly a match can turn in domestic competition.
Table implications and wider context
The result keeps Celtic firmly in contention near the summit, closing the gap on the leaders and underlining their intent as the season enters its decisive phase. With the visitors having played one fewer game than the top side, the win narrows the margin and hands them momentum heading into a congested run of fixtures.
For Kilmarnock, the defeat is a setback in a season that has oscillated between encouraging spells and difficult runs. The club sits well clear of the very bottom, but points are precious in the battle to secure top‑flight safety. Losing a lead of two goals will sting and raise questions about defensive organisation and game management in the closing stages.
Team news and what to watch next
Kilmarnock have been coping with an injury list that has influenced selection options, with a handful of regulars unavailable. The side has shown signs of revival under recent management changes, including a notable 4-3 victory that featured a hat-trick from their forward, and a 3-0 win that offered further encouragement. That recent form made Sunday’s result all the more surprising for home fans.
Celtic have also carried fitness concerns into the fixture, missing several first-team options. Despite that, the squad dug deep and the managerial changes earlier in the campaign appear to have produced an immediate upturn in form. The visitors’ ability to rescue points from a difficult position highlights the depth of character in the squad and will be crucial if they are to sustain a title challenge.
Looking ahead, both clubs face important fixtures in the coming weeks. Kilmarnock must regroup quickly to protect their league status, while Celtic will aim to build on the psychological boost of a late win and maintain pressure at the top. The reaction from both dressing rooms in training and selection choices for the next match will be telling for where each side heads next.
Matchday assessment: a night of high drama at Rugby Park — elation for the visitors, heartbreak for the hosts, and plenty of talking points as the season moves into its final chapters.
