Just two weeks ago, it seemed that Heart of Midlothian was going to break a 41-year stranglehold on the Scottish Premiership by Glasgow sides Celtic and Rangers, and with the Edinburgh-based Hearts seeking their first title since 1960.
Hearts led the table for 250 days, needing to secure one point in the final match Saturday against Celtics at Celtic Park. They took a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute, but Celtics equalized from the spot in added time. Hearts appeared headed toward that one point for the draw ... until the 86th minute:
With the keeper forward to try and equalize at the death in the seventh minute of added time, Celtic added another into the empty goal, maintaining Glaswegian dominance for a 42nd consecutive year.
Slight consolation: Hearts do get to be in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, where they have to win three two-leg rounds to get into the final field of 36 teams. Celtic is also not an automatic part of the Champions League tournament, entering the third and final two-leg playoff qualifier. Will the sides meet again for high stakes?
My take: Have to finish. I watched this match recorded and Hearts were playing for the point. Play for three and they'd have had a better chance at the one. I'd like to say they'll learn from it, but 42 years of history prove otherwise — it's also just a 12-team league, with six relegated each season.
THE ASYLUM
Hearts break in Scotland
Just two weeks ago, it seemed that Heart of Midlothian was going to break a 41-year stranglehold on the Scottish Premiership by Glasgow sides Celtic and Rangers, and with the Edinburgh-based Hearts seeking their first title since 1960.
Hearts led the table for 250 days, needing to secure one point in the final match Saturday against Celtics at Celtic Park. They took a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute, but Celtics equalized from the spot in added time. Hearts appeared headed toward that one point for the draw ... until the 86th minute:
With the keeper forward to try and equalize at the death in the seventh minute of added time, Celtic added another into the empty goal, maintaining Glaswegian dominance for a 42nd consecutive year.
Slight consolation: Hearts do get to be in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, where they have to win three two-leg rounds to get into the final field of 36 teams. Celtic is also not an automatic part of the Champions League tournament, entering the third and final two-leg playoff qualifier. Will the sides meet again for high stakes?
My take: Have to finish. I watched this match recorded and Hearts were playing for the point. Play for three and they'd have had a better chance at the one. I'd like to say they'll learn from it, but 42 years of history prove otherwise — it's also just a 12-team league, with six relegated each season.
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