A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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