Hearts Lead Celtic by One Point with Two Games Left in Scottish Title Race

One week remains in the Scottish Premiership title race, with Hearts and Celtic as the final contenders after Rangers fell by the wayside.

The nation follows closely no matter the team colors. Hearts have fielded media requests from around the UK, Europe and beyond, all drawn to the potential miracle on Gorgie Road. That attention will grow as Celtic, fresh off handling Rangers, closes in on Derek McInnes' side in the campaign's closing days.

Thirty-six games are complete, leaving two. Hearts lead by one point and three goals. They chase a first league title in 66 years, while Martin O'Neill's Celtic aims for a dramatic victory in his final week as one of the club's most storied managers.

Early this season brought protests and anger at Celtic Park. Fans vented fury at the board and new manager Wilfried Nancy, seen as a poor fit much like Russell Martin at Rangers months earlier. A title seemed distant; many wanted resignations instead.

Glasgow churned with unrest, but Edinburgh stayed calm. Now both sets of fans face the hardest tests ahead. Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 on Sunday to force this finale, with matches Wednesday and Saturday.

Daizen Maeda starred in the Old Firm derby. He scored twice four minutes apart just after halftime, the second a bicycle kick into Jack Butland's net. Rangers grumbled over a first-half tackle by Alistair Johnston on Mikey Moore, which earned only a yellow card, and questioned Celtic's opener.

Rangers spent £35 million to £40 million over two transfer windows, but leadership issues and core weaknesses ended their run. Hearts hold their edge when they host Falkirk on Wednesday. Celtic travels to Fir Park to face Motherwell.

O'Neill called the final two wins like climbing two mountains, but success would make them champions, if not the prettiest ones. His team improves at the right moment, with Maeda central. He snapped a 17-game goal drought in April after a canceled move to Germany soured his mood.

Maeda's hustle, work rate and mentality fueled the Rangers win. He scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Falkirk, once in a 2-1 win over Hibs, and now the decisive pair against Rangers. At halftime Sunday, it sat 1-1 amid frantic action and chances both ways.

Celtic lack consistency this season but fight on, winning even in middling performances. Maeda struck eight minutes into the second half off Kieran Tierney's cross after beating James Tavernier's offside trap. His overhead kick followed, stunning Butland and the away fans.

O'Neill expects Hearts to beat Falkirk, so Celtic must gain points at Motherwell to extend the fight. A late Celtic surge would crush Hearts' historic hopes but thrill their supporters, proving O'Neill's mettle even after Nancy's stint.

The veteran manager stayed composed post-match. Nothing is decided, he knows. McInnes echoes that. The drama builds.