Celtic missed the chance to overtake Hearts at the Scottish Premiership summit after a 2-0 defeat away to Motherwell on Tuesday.

Wilfried Nancy's side headed into the clash at Fir Park knowing a win would see them end 2025 clear of Hearts on goal difference.

But the reigning Scottish champions were caught out early on as Stephen O'Donnell's excellent right-sided cross found Ibrahim Said, who stooped down to head a low header past Kasper Schmeichel 14 minutes in.

Nancy's visitors failed to muster a shot on target in the first half, and matters worsened in the 58th minute when Schmeichel's mistake in possession allowed Elliot Watt to convert into an empty net.

Full-time#MOTCEL | #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/fSJbOTeOoM

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 30, 2025

A frustrating performance from Celtic was compounded by Rangers' 2-1 win at home to St. Mirren, as Danny Rohl's side moved within three points of Nancy's team in second, and six adrift of leaders Hearts.

Rangers were made to wait until six minutes before half-time for Thelo Aasgaard to head the opener past Shamal George, following a well-worked short-corner move that resulted in Jayden Meghoma's cross.

Another corner routine proved fruitful in the 52nd minute for Rangers as St. Mirren failed to clear before Youssef Chermiti whipped in, and Emmanuel Fernandez volleyed through goalkeeper George's legs.

Rohl's side were still made to sweat late on as an expert Jack Butland stop against Miguel Freckleton fell into the path of Mikael Mandron to score on the follow-up, but Rangers held on for the three points.

Data Debrief: Motherwell end Celtic struggles

Motherwell were winless in their last 35 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D5 L30) since a 2-1 league win in December 2015, but finally ended that run here.

Jens Askou will feel a rare win over the Scottish giants was richly deserved, having limited Celtic to just 0.62 expected goals (xG), in comparison to Motherwell's 1.45.

A solid defence has been key to Motherwell's impressive performance this season that has left them fourth in the table, with Askou's side keeping 10 clean sheets so far – the most in the league.