Celtic came within a whisker of snatching a dramatic late winner at Ibrox after Reo Hatate capitalised on a slack James Tavernier pass but Daizen Maeda’s decision-making let Rangers off the hook in the dying seconds.
With the match level and time almost up, Hatate pounced and threaded a clever ball through for Maeda, who burst in behind the Rangers defence. The Japanese forward had substitute Johnny Kenny in acres of space to his right, screaming for the square pass. But instead of playing the unmissable ball, Maeda’s heavy touch carried him into Liam Kelly, who stood his ground to snuff out the danger.
It was a moment that could have sealed a derby day win for the champions. Celtic had weathered some heavy pressure and battled back into the game through Adam Idah’s deflected strike. To come away with three points at the death would have been the perfect response to a testing afternoon.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner didn’t hold back in his reaction. “He’s got to pass!” the ex-Ireland international exclaimed. [BBC]
😮 Daizen Maeda has a chance to win it with the final kick, but the last Old Firm of the season ends level ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/mHvak85Tr1
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 4, 2025
Celtic will take the point, with the league title already wrapped up, but the moment will gnaw at Maeda, particularly with the derby narrative so often shaped by fine margins.
