Key Points
- Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership by five points following a dramatic 88th-minute winner in the Edinburgh derby by Tomas Magnusson.
- Celtic secured a late victory over Livingston thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s debut goal, closing the gap to six points from the top three.
- Rangers dropped points with a late equaliser conceded at Motherwell, intensifying the title race ahead of key fixtures.
- Celtic face Kilmarnock and Rangers host Hearts live on Sky Sports this Sunday, with just six points separating the top three.
- Late goals in the 85th minute or later have shaped the season, with Celtic leading at six such winners.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 14, 2026 – The Scottish Premiership title race has narrowed dramatically after a midweek round of fixtures featuring late winners for Hearts and Celtic, while Rangers stumbled at Motherwell.
Just six points now separate the league’s top three clubs, setting the stage for what could be the most pivotal gameweek of the season. Hearts hold a five-point lead at the summit after Tomas Magnusson’s 88th-minute strike clinched the Edinburgh derby.
What Happened in the Midweek Fixtures?
Celtic travelled to Livingston and emerged with a hard-fought win, powered by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stunning debut goal in injury time. This result kept them in contention, third in the table and breathing down the leaders.
As reported by Sky Sports, Rangers suffered a blow when Motherwell equalised at the death, denying them a vital victory and highlighting the fine margins in the race. Hearts, meanwhile, have topped the table for 20 weeks amid ongoing turbulence elsewhere in the league.
How Have Late Goals Defined the Season?
Late drama has been a hallmark of the campaign, with goals scored after the 85th minute proving decisive. Celtic top the charts with six such strikes, followed by Hearts with four, according to Sky Sports analysis.
Which Teams Excel in Stoppage Time?
Hibernian, Motherwell, and Aberdeen each have two late winners, while Rangers manage just one. This trend underscores the resilience required to stay atop the William Hill Premiership standings.
What Lies Ahead for the Title Contenders?
Sunday’s fixtures promise fireworks, with Celtic visiting Kilmarnock at 2:00pm before leaders Hearts face second-placed Rangers at Ibrox at 4:30pm, both live on Sky Sports. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke joins as a special studio guest.
Rangers manager Danny Röhl emphasised focus on the next opportunity after the Motherwell draw, noting his side’s strong form table since October. A win over Hearts could shift the momentum decisively in the tightening race.
