Motherwell deserve huge credit for their display at Celtic Park but came away with nought but pride after a 3-2 defeat.
The manner of the visitors’ performance can be measured by the standing ovation the band of travelling fans gave to Jens Berthel Askou and his team after the final whistle. In a game that saw the lead change three times Celtic will count themselves fortunate that a goal in added time gave them the points.
Stephen O’Donnell dropped to the bench as Johnny Koutroumbis started. Stephen Welsh was ineligible and the returning Paul McGinn joined in his place.
Joy unbounded
Motherwell got the game underway and it was soon apparent that there would be no change to the methods drilled by the Danish manager. That style is based on playing out from the back with frequent passing in front of goal. The risk was revealed early when a loose ball caused panic but the gift was spurned.
Callum Ward had to produce several fine saves and he must hold the league record for touches both in and out of his box. Unfortunately he was culpable for Celtic’s equaliser in the second half as he was punished for a careless short pass.
Celtic took the lead thanks to a questionable penalty that was awarded for a short range handball on Regan Charles-Cook. Undeterred, Motherwell stuck to their task and as the half progressed they were able to play through the block and find some freedom further up the park.
A few minutes before the break Tawanda Maswanhise produced some neat footwork and from a tight angle he crossed from the right. Apostolos Stamatelopoulos threw himself at the ball and headed home. Motherwell were on top as Celtic held on.
Ten minutes after the interval Maswanhise’s run into the box was halted by Sarrachi. The game continued but a VAR intervention caused the referee to review and a penalty was awarded. Stamatelopoulos drilled his shot into the net to put Motherwell in the lead. ‘Well fans celebrated!
The restlessness in the home crowd grew as waves of attacks petered out. They hit the woodwork and forced some saves but in 68 minutes the ‘keeper’s mistake allowed Nygen to pull one back. It was the catalyst Celtic needed and refreshed by five substitutions they set about finding the winner.
The home side had their tails up but it seemed that the visitors would hold out. Seven minutes of added time was signalled but after two Maeda scored from close range to offer the baying home fans relief.
It was a cruel blow for the exhausted visitors but they threw all up for an unsuccessful final rally. They had earned the gratitude of the away support.
Celtic 3 Motherwell 2
Attendance
Team: Ward, Koutroumbis (O’Donnell 67) , Gordon, McGinn, Longelo, Watt, Said (Priestman 80), Fadinger, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise, Stamatelopoulos (Osong 75)
Sunday 5 October 2025
