Key Points
- Celtic staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock with a 97th-minute winner from Julian Araujo.
- Kilmarnock led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Hugill.
- Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren scored for Celtic to level the match after the break.
- Rangers beat Hearts 4-2 later on Sunday, staying close in the Scottish Premiership title race.
- A Rangers legend expressed concern over Celtic’s resilience despite the late win.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 16, 2026 – Celtic secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, thanks to Julian Araujo’s stoppage-time winner that kept their Premiership title hopes alive.
The match at Rugby Park saw Kilmarnock race into a 2-0 lead in the first half, with Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Hugill scoring early to stun the visitors, but Martin O’Neill’s side fought back with goals from substitutes Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren before Araujo’s decisive strike in the 97th minute.
Who sparked Celtic’s remarkable comeback at Kilmarnock?
Celtic trailed 2-0 at half-time after Tyreece John-Jules fired home the opener in the 21st minute following a flick-on from Joe Hugill, with Hugill then heading in the second from a John-Jules cross just seven minutes later.
Martin O’Neill introduced key changes at the interval, including Sebastian Tounekti, who curled in a stunning 25-yard strike in the 56th minute to halve the deficit, before Benjamin Nygren poked home the equaliser in the 64th minute from close range.
As reported by Sky Sports match coverage, the introduction of players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain helped shift momentum, leading to Araujo’s high finish into the net after good work from Cvancara with virtually the last kick of the game.
What does this result mean for the Premiership title race?
Rangers responded later on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Hearts at Ibrox, where Youssef Chermiti netted a hat-trick to keep them within two points of the leaders, intensifying the chase at the top.
How did Rangers overcome Hearts in their key fixture?
Hearts took leads through Marc Leonard and Claudio Braga, but Rangers fought back twice, with an own goal from Michael Steinwender and Chermiti’s three goals securing the points for the home side.
Why is a Rangers legend concerned despite Celtic’s win?
A prominent Rangers legend has voiced concern about Celtic’s fighting spirit, highlighting their ability to come from 2-0 down as a worrying sign for the title race even after the late drama at Kilmarnock.
According to reporting from Glasgow Times sources on the Old Firm rivalry, this resilience under Martin O’Neill underscores Celtic’s threat, prompting caution among Rangers supporters and former players.
