Scottish Premiership 2025/26: Celtic Pip Hearts in Thrilling Title Race
Celtic claimed their latest Scottish Premiership title with 82 points — but the margin of just 2 points over Hearts (80 pts) made this the most competitive title race in Scotland for many years. Rangers (72 pts) were a distant third, with a resurgent Hearts emerging as the real contenders to Celtic's domestic dominance.
Final Standings (Top 6 + Relegated)
| Pos | Club | Pts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic 🏆 UCL | 82 | |||
| 2 | Heart of Midlothian UEL | 80 | |||
| 3 | Rangers UECL | 72 | |||
| 4 | Motherwell | 61 | |||
| 5 | Hibernian | 57 | |||
| 6 | Falkirk | 49 | |||
| 12 | Livingston ↓ | 21 | |||
The Title Race
Celtic and Hearts traded places in the top two throughout the season. Celtic's experience and squad depth ultimately proved decisive, but Hearts pushed them harder than any club has since the Rangers dominance era. The title was decided in a head-to-head clash at Tynecastle that Celtic edged 2-1.
Rangers (72 pts) had a solid enough campaign but were never in genuine title contention. Motherwell (61 pts) had a quietly impressive season in 4th.
European Qualification
Celtic qualified for the Champions League. Hearts earned Europa League football for the first time since 2004 — a historic achievement. Rangers enter Conference League qualification.
Relegation
Livingston (21 pts) were relegated from the 12-team division. It was a miserable campaign — they conceded 75 goals and were bottom for most of the season.
The Story: Hearts' Historic Season
Hearts' 80-point season was the best in the club's history since their 1958 title-winning campaign. Manager Neil Critchley transformed a team that had finished 6th the previous year into genuine title challengers.
Europa League qualification is the tangible reward — but the real legacy of 2025/26 is that Scottish football is no longer a one-club story. Hearts have proved you can compete with Celtic with smart recruitment and tactical organisation.
Looking Ahead
Celtic are prohibitive favourites but Hearts will push them again. Rangers need to close the gap. Livingston return to the Championship.
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