After the terrible performance on Thursday night against Valencia, Celtic had a major point to prove. They couldn’t have picked a much harder place to do so domestically than Rugby Park, given that the hoops have lost on their last two visits there.
The first half of the game was relatively flat, with Celtic struggling to penetrate the Kilmarnock backline. Edouard did have an effort saved by the killie goalkeeper just after the ten minute mark but that was as close as they came in the first half. Celtic did dominate possession but Kilmarnock remained relatively comfortable. There was controversy just before half time when Scott Brown slid into a tackle late but was only shown a yellow card.
Into the second half and the game remained close, with both teams looking like they could break the deadlock. However the game changed when Kirk Broadfoot was shown a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Scott Brown. Celtic began to push more and were unlucky on a few occasions despite patient build up play. Then the moment came that all the fans were hoping for. Mcgregor whipped in a corner which Boyata headed back across goal where Scott Brown was waiting. His shot ricocheted off a Kilmarnock players hand and into the back of the net, right at the end of the game.
The stand behind the goal erupted, with fans flooding onto the pitch to celebrate Brown’s winner. He was sent off for the celebrations, not that he seemed to mind though, given that his goal takes Celtic eight points clear at the top of the Premiership.
It will take something special to catch the parkhead side now and you cannot help but feel that the only thing which will stop them from winning their eighth title in a row is themselves.
On our way to make it 10 