Maeda Brace Fires Celtic Past Falkirk in Championship Round Clash

Celtic FC strengthened their position in the Scottish Premiership Championship Round with a 3–1 home win over Falkirk FC on matchday 34, powered by a standout display from Daizen Maeda.

The hosts took control on 30 minutes when Maeda opened the scoring, putting Celtic 1–0 up. The advantage was doubled just before the interval, as Kieran Tierney struck in the 44th minute after being picked out by Maeda, sending Celtic into half-time with a comfortable 2–0 lead.

Premier League FINISHED

2026-04-25 16:30

Celtic FC

3 - 1

Falkirk FC

Matchday 34 CHAMPIONSHIP_ROUND

Falkirk reshaped their attack on 62 minutes, introducing Kyrell Wilson, and the change paid off. In the 70th minute Wilson pulled a goal back, finishing a move created by Leon McCann to make it 2–1 and briefly unsettle the home side. Wilson was booked a minute later as the game’s intensity increased.

Celtic responded decisively. Substitute Sebastian Tounekti, brought on in the 62nd minute, made his mark in the closing stages by setting up Maeda’s second of the afternoon in the 83rd minute. The Japanese forward’s brace restored Celtic’s two-goal cushion at 3–1 and effectively settled the contest.

The match featured a spate of yellow cards, with Auston Trusty and Anthony Ralston cautioned for Celtic, and Wilson, Dylan Tait and Leon McCann booked for Falkirk as challenges grew more robust in the second half.

Both managers turned to their benches throughout the final half-hour, with Celtic introducing Marcelo Saracchi, Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Falkirk brought on Ethan Ross, Ben Parkinson and Henry Cartwright in search of a response.

Further detailed statistics such as full lineups, possession figures and shots are not available in the current match data.

For more on the Scottish Premiership, visit the league page on Ballaxy, or view the full match overview here.

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Premier League Standings

Season: 2025/26

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Form
1	Heart of Midlothian FC	33	21	7	5	58	28	30	70	W W W D
2	Rangers FC	33	19	12	2	66	31	35	69	L L W W
3	Celtic FC	33	21	4	8	59	35	24	67	W W W W
4	Motherwell FC	33	14	12	7	52	29	23	54	L W L L
5	Hibernian FC	33	13	12	8	51	37	14	51	L L L W
6	Falkirk FC	33	13	7	13	45	48	-3	46	W L L W
7	Dundee United FC	33	9	13	11	45	54	-9	40	L W W L
8	Aberdeen FC	33	9	6	18	33	48	-15	33	D W W L
9	Dundee FC	33	8	9	16	34	53	-19	33	W L D L
10	St. Mirren FC	33	7	9	17	27	48	-21	30	L L L W
11	Kilmarnock FC	33	6	10	17	37	65	-28	28	W L D L
12	Livingston FC	33	1	13	19	35	66	-31	16	D W L D