Celtic come from behind to beat Hibernian after Owen Elding’s early goal

Celtic defeated Hibernian 2-1 at Easter Road, recovering from an early deficit to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The victory restored the champions' four-point cushion over Rangers following a Europa League loss to Celta Vigo earlier in the week. It marked Celtic's ninth win in ten league matches this season. Conversely, newly appointed Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk suffered his third consecutive defeat since replacing David Gray. Owen Elding gave the bottom-placed hosts a third-minute lead. Joe Newell delivered a quick free kick behind the defense, allowing the Irish international to drive a low shot past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from seven yards. Celtic responded within two minutes. Captain Callum McGregor advanced down the field, and a subsequent inswinging corner from Benjamin Nygren was misdirected into the net by Jason Kerr. Camilo Durán secured the winner in the 43rd minute. He pounced on a loose ball after Hibernian defender Marko Ivezic intercepted a pass near the box. Durán struck the ball from 17 yards to move into double figures for the campaign. In the second half, substitute Alistair Johnston returned from injury but exited after twenty minutes. Hibernian sent on center-back Grant Hanley to play up front in the 82nd minute, adding threat in the final stages. Attendance at Easter Road was significantly below capacity. Factors included Hibernian's poor form, a ban on the Block Seven ultras group, and limited allocation in the South Stand. Strong winds from Storm Boelo likely deterred additional fans. Hibernian made two substitutions, bringing on Jamie McGrath and Joe Newell for Azeem Abdulai and Martin Boyle, who withdrew due to illness. Celtic changed only one player, introducing Kasper Hogh for Haissem Hassan. Hogh, valued at 11 million pounds, started for the first time in several weeks but failed to score before being substituted in the 64th minute. Key defenders Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers began on the bench after recent layoffs. Hibernian's defensive errors allowed Celtic to control the latter part of the game. Despite Hogh having three close-range attempts, including one saved brilliantly by Raphael Sallinger, he remained without a goal. Thibault Klidje also threatened with a high lob that drifted over the bar. The result leaves Hibernian struggling at the bottom of the table, while Celtic maintains its position atop the standings.