Tounekti: Celtic in ‘Crazy’ Title Race Behind Hearts (Glasgow, 2026)

Key Points

• Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti described the Scottish Premiership title race as “crazy” with four games remaining.
• Celtic sit three points behind leaders Hearts and one point ahead of Rangers.
• Celtic face Hibernian on Sunday, while Rangers play Hearts at Tynecastle on Monday.
• Tounekti noted expectations of a two-horse race between Celtic and Rangers, but praised Hearts’ season-long performance.
• The Tunisia international stressed Celtic’s internal focus: “For us, it’s all about us and trying to take it per match”.
• Tounekti credited Hearts: “They have been doing really good through the whole season, so credit to them”.
• Celtic’s priority: “We just have to focus on ourselves… we have to start on Sunday and win that game”.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 2, 2026 – Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti has labelled the ongoing Scottish Premiership title race as “crazy” as the season nears its conclusion with four matches left. Hearts currently lead the table, three points clear of Celtic, who hold a one-point advantage over Rangers.

What Made Tounekti Call the Title Race ‘Crazy’?

As reported by journalists at the Glasgow Times, Tounekti said:

“It’s crazy. I think you have the expectation when you come to Celtic that maybe it’s always going to be like a two-horse race between us and Rangers, but Hearts have been really good for this whole year, so it’s funny to be in; it’s quite exciting also.”.

This sentiment echoes coverage from STV News, where Sebastian Tounekti described the three-way William Hill Premiership title race as “crazy” ahead of Celtic’s trip to Hibernian on Sunday. With four fixtures remaining, the Hoops are three points behind Hearts and one ahead of Rangers, who travel to Tynecastle on Monday for a match that has major ramifications for the run-in.

Tounekti, the Tunisia international, highlighted the unexpected nature of the contest. He insisted Celtic’s focus remains internal despite the pressure.

How Does Celtic Plan to Respond in the Title Race?

Tounekti emphasised self-reliance in comments attributed to the Glasgow Times. He said:

“For us, it’s all about us and trying to take it per match and trying to improve in every game. We know that if we do our best and when we are at our best, then we have a big chance to go the whole way.”.

STV News reported similarly: Tounekti urged Celtic to “be at their best” for the final four games. BBC Sport coverage noted Tounekti is calling on Celtic to “perform at their peak” during the remaining matches.

Celtic’s upcoming fixture against Hibernian on Sunday serves as their immediate test. Tounekti added:

“We just have to focus on ourselves. We want to improve and, of course, we want to win it and we have to start on Sunday and win that game.”.

Meanwhile, Rangers’ clash with Hearts at Tynecastle on Monday could shift the standings significantly.

Why Is Hearts’ Campaign Impressive to Tounekti?

Tounekti praised the Edinburgh side’s consistency. As per the Glasgow Times, he said:

“I think everybody is impressed, you can say whatever you want, but they have been doing really good through the whole season, so credit to them.”.

STV News quoted him on Hearts, last winners in 1960:

“I think everybody is impressed, you can say whatever you want, but they have been doing really good through the whole season, so credit to them.”.

Hearts have maintained their position at the top for much of the season, as noted in broader coverage of their campaign under Derek McInnes. Recent results, such as a comeback win over Motherwell, have kept them on course for a first title in 66 years.

Flashscore reported Hearts struck twice late to beat Motherwell 3-1, maintaining their slender advantage despite Celtic’s win over St Mirren. Defending champions Celtic remain three points behind, while Rangers trail by four but have a game in hand.

What Are the Current Standings and Fixtures?

Current standings place Hearts at the summit, followed by Celtic three points back and Rangers further adrift. ESPN lists Heart of Midlothian first, Celtic second, and Rangers third.

With four games left, the run-in intensifies. Celtic host Hibernian on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Rangers face Hearts at Tynecastle on Monday.

Sky Sports outlines the broader schedule, noting key derbies and post-split fixtures involving the top three. Hearts’ lead has been consistent, with recent previews highlighting their title challenge.

Background of the Premiership Title Development

Hearts’ strong 2025-26 campaign marks a departure from recent seasons. The club, under Derek McInnes, began competitively against Dunfermline in the League Cup. Fixtures included early tests like Aberdeen and Edinburgh derbies.

No team outside Celtic or Rangers has won the title in 41 years, making Hearts’ position historic. They lead after results like the Motherwell comeback on April 10, 2026. Celtic have focused on maximum points, with analyses stressing wins against sides like Falkirk.

Tounekti’s comments arise amid Celtic’s Europa League efforts and domestic push. The Tunisia winger has featured notably, including critiques of referee decisions. Standings reflect Hearts’ consistency, with Celtic and Rangers responding.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Scottish Football Fans

This three-way race could heighten attendance at matches, as fans from Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts engage more closely with fixtures like Sunday’s Celtic-Hibernian and Monday’s Rangers-Hearts. Supporters may experience increased tension from results that alter standings weekly, such as potential shifts post-Tynecastle.

Viewership for broadcasts, including Sky Sports coverage, stands to rise with the tight points gap. Fans could see more analysis on platforms covering the top three’s form. Local rivalries intensify, drawing larger crowds to Tynecastle and Celtic Park.

If Hearts sustain their lead, it ends the Old Firm duopoly, prompting discussions among supporters nationwide. Celtic and Rangers fans might focus on European spots if title hopes fade. Overall, the race keeps audiences invested through May 2026.