Hearts were left ruing their failure to capitalize on the numerous scoring opportunities they created against title rivals Rangers at Tynecastle Park. Despite equalizing twice, facing 10 men for the final 21 minutes and creating several clear-cut openings, the league leaders ultimately fell short.
Martin O'Neill's tiring team struggled to overcome the visitors' resistance, with Celtic impressing sporadically but making their flashes of quality count through Benjamin Nygren's free-kick and the incisive break that created a second goal for Yang Hyun-jun. The hosts' vulnerability at set pieces was punished by Stuart Findlay and Cláudio Braga, who scored crucial goals to give Rangers a much-needed point.
Hearts manager Craig Levein expressed frustration with his team's inability to win the game, stating, "It's not the worst point when you come from behind twice but I still feel there was something more out there for us. The fact there's a disappointed dressing room in there illustrates how far we've come." Despite this setback, Levein remains optimistic about his team's chances, acknowledging that the title race is far from over.
The game was marked by controversy, including a yellow card given to Hearts striker Alexandros Kyziridis for a foul on Celtic center-back Auston Trusty, which was later reviewed and upgraded to a red card. The decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, but ultimately did not appear to have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Celtic manager Derek McInnes took a pragmatic approach, stating that his team's confidence remains high despite the loss, adding that they are well aware of the competition and must continue to improve. Hearts' counterpart Martin O'Neill expressed similar sentiments, acknowledging that the title race is far from over and that his team still have a tough task ahead.
The result has little impact on the overall title picture, with Rangers now within four points of Hearts. However, the draw has given Celtic a much-needed boost in their own quest for the championship, while also keeping alive hopes of catching up to the Scottish leaders.
Martin O'Neill's tiring team struggled to overcome the visitors' resistance, with Celtic impressing sporadically but making their flashes of quality count through Benjamin Nygren's free-kick and the incisive break that created a second goal for Yang Hyun-jun. The hosts' vulnerability at set pieces was punished by Stuart Findlay and Cláudio Braga, who scored crucial goals to give Rangers a much-needed point.
Hearts manager Craig Levein expressed frustration with his team's inability to win the game, stating, "It's not the worst point when you come from behind twice but I still feel there was something more out there for us. The fact there's a disappointed dressing room in there illustrates how far we've come." Despite this setback, Levein remains optimistic about his team's chances, acknowledging that the title race is far from over.
The game was marked by controversy, including a yellow card given to Hearts striker Alexandros Kyziridis for a foul on Celtic center-back Auston Trusty, which was later reviewed and upgraded to a red card. The decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, but ultimately did not appear to have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Celtic manager Derek McInnes took a pragmatic approach, stating that his team's confidence remains high despite the loss, adding that they are well aware of the competition and must continue to improve. Hearts' counterpart Martin O'Neill expressed similar sentiments, acknowledging that the title race is far from over and that his team still have a tough task ahead.
The result has little impact on the overall title picture, with Rangers now within four points of Hearts. However, the draw has given Celtic a much-needed boost in their own quest for the championship, while also keeping alive hopes of catching up to the Scottish leaders.