Celtic score dramatic 97th-minute winner at Kilmarnock to keep title hopes alive

Julian Araujo kept Celtic’s title chances alive as his 97th minute winner sealed a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to a 3-2 win at Kilmarnock.

With the top two in Hearts and Rangers facing off at Ibrox later on Sunday, Martin O’Neill’s side knew they had to win to put the pressure on – but got off to the worst possible start.

After his hat-trick against St Mirren in midweek, Tyreece John-Jules curled Killie in front after poor defending from Celtic defender Auston Trusty, before Joe Hugill headed in a second, amid poor questionable goalkeepeing from Kasper Schmeichel.

O’Neill responded with a half-time triple substitution – including the introduction of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – but it was another replacement who brought Celtic back in it as Sebastian Tounetki curled in a sensational goal back from 25 yards.

And eight minutes later, Celtic had their leveller as Araujo’s long throw went all the way through to Benjamin Nygren, who finished from close-range to net his 16th goal of the season.

Despite the Celtic comeback, it was Kilmarnock who had the better chances to win it. John-Jules – who came off with a thigh injury – hit the crossbar with a stunning free-kick, while Robbie Deas nodded over from close-range after a corner was flicked into his path.

At the other end, Tounetki put a decent headed chance wide, before Callum McGregor’s shot from distance tricked past the post.

But the winner then came on 97 minutes as Araujo slammed home from inside the box as Kilmarnock failed to clear a corner – in a big result with one or both of Celtic’s title challengers to drop points later.

More to follow.

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