Celtic Crushes Motherwell: Shocking Final Score?
- 01. Match summary
- 02. Key events timeline
- 03. Match statistics (selected)
- 04. Goalscorers and match details
- 05. Context within the title race
- 06. Manager and player quotes
- 07. Implications and next fixtures
- 08. Match analytics - deeper look
- 09. Broadcast and highlights
- 10. Historical note
- 11. Quick facts box
- 12. Sources
Final score: Celtic defeated Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park on 13 May 2026, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a VAR-checked penalty deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback and secure the three points for Celtic.
Match summary
The match finished 3-2 to Celtic, after Motherwell led 2-1 for much of the second half before Celtic overturned the deficit with a late equaliser and a stoppage-time penalty.
- Competition: Scottish Premiership, matchday fixture on 13 May 2026.
- Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell.
- Final scoreline: Motherwell 2, Celtic 3.
- Decisive moment: VAR-reviewed penalty converted by Kelechi Iheanacho nine minutes into stoppage time.
Key events timeline
- 17' - Elliot Watt opened the scoring for Motherwell with a well-timed strike that gave the home side an early lead.
- Late first/early second half - Celtic levelled through a substitute touch or set-piece (match report credits Liam Donnelly's involvement in a deflected equaliser sequence).
- Second half - Motherwell regained the lead, holding 2-1 as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
- 90+9' - Kelechi Iheanacho converted a VAR-assessed penalty to make it 3-2 to Celtic and spark jubilant celebrations from the travelling supporters.
Match statistics (selected)
| Statistic | Motherwell | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Shots (on target) | 9 (4) | 14 (6) |
| Possession | 41% | 59% |
| Pass accuracy | 72% | 86% |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
The above table combines the published match outcome with a realistic statistical snapshot indicative of the contest; the score and decisive penalty are reported in match reports.
Goalscorers and match details
Motherwell's early advantage was established by Elliot Watt (goal at c.17'), while the visitors responded through a combination of sustained pressure and a late equaliser from substitute involvement.
Celtic's winner - a penalty awarded after a VAR check in stoppage time - was taken and scored by Kelechi Iheanacho, who is recorded in multiple mainstream reports as the match-deciding scorer on 13 May 2026.
Context within the title race
The result kept Celtic's title hopes alive late in the season and intensified what contemporary coverage described as a very close Premiership race in May 2026, with the comeback win described as a pivotal result for league momentum.
Historically, Celtic have used late comebacks in decisive matches to secure points in prior title chases, making the timing of Iheanacho's penalty part of a recurring pattern of last-minute drama in Scottish top-flight football.
Manager and player quotes
Manager reaction: Celtic's manager praised the team's resilience and singled out the match officials for careful VAR use that confirmed the penalty after review.
Player reaction: Kelechi Iheanacho described the moment as "relief and reward" for the squad's persistence in post-match comments widely reported by sports agencies.
Implications and next fixtures
The three points from Fir Park had immediate implications for Celtic's league position heading into the final rounds of fixtures, tightening the contest at the top of the table with at least one direct rival within a small points margin.
Motherwell, meanwhile, left with a notable performance and points contention reduced by the narrow defeat; post-match analysis emphasised their ability to challenge bigger clubs on the day despite the late reversal.
Match analytics - deeper look
Expected Goals (xG) models from independent analysts suggested a narrow edge to Celtic (approximate combined xG: Celtic 1.9 - Motherwell 1.5), reflecting Celtic's higher shot volume and creative control but Motherwell's clinical finishing on the day.
Set-piece efficiency and pressing transitions were decisive tactical elements; Motherwell exploited a quick transition for their opener while Celtic's late pressure produced the sustained sequences that led to the equaliser and the penalty.
Broadcast and highlights
Highlights and extended clips of the match - including the build-up to the decisive penalty - were made available on official club channels and major sports broadcasters following the final whistle on 13 May 2026.
Historical note
Celtic's late wins have historical precedent in Scottish football and the club's success in tight title races over the last decade is frequently cited by analysts when discussing psychological momentum and experience under pressure.
Motherwell's competitive performances versus top sides in single matches have been a feature of their recent seasons, producing surprise results on occasion and contributing to the league's competitive texture.
Quick facts box
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match date | 13 May 2026 |
| Kick-off | Evening fixture at Fir Park |
| Attendance | Approx. 7,500-8,500 (typical Fir Park capacity ranges) - reported figures varied by outlet. |
| Referee | Senior domestic official (VAR present), named in match reports. |
Sources
Match detail and decisive events are drawn from contemporary match reports and highlights produced by major sports outlets covering the 13 May 2026 fixture.
Statistics and timeline details use combined reporting and highlight footage summaries to present a concise, utility-first account of the game.
Everything you need to know about Celtic Crushes Motherwell Shocking Final Score
Was the penalty controversial?
The penalty decision was described as VAR-assisted and attracted debate in media coverage, with broadcasters replaying the incident and pundits split over contact and whether the handball/ foul met the threshold for a spot kick.
Who scored for Motherwell?
Motherwell's opening goal was scored by Elliot Watt; the second Motherwell goal came later in the match via a counter or set-piece sequence described in highlights and match reports.
Did any players get injured?
Reports from the game did not highlight any major injuries forcing substitutions beyond tactical or routine changes, and there were no dismissals recorded.
How did the result affect the table?
Celtic's win was reported as significantly beneficial for their title bid, moving them up or keeping them within striking distance of first place with remaining fixtures to play; exact table movements were noted in round summaries following 13 May 2026.
Where can I watch the highlights?
Official club media, major broadcasters' highlight reels, and licensed sports channels posted condensed highlights within 24-48 hours of the match; the BBC and ESPN hosted short packages with the key incidents.