Daizen Maeda scored a brace, including a spectacular overhead kick, against arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. (C) Getty Images
Celtic kept their hopes of a fifth consecutive league title alive by defeating fierce rivals Rangers 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership’s championship group. The standout performer in this classic Old Firm derby was Japanese forward Daizen Maeda, who netted twice.
Celtic fell behind at home in the ninth minute but equalized through Hyun-jun Yang in the 23rd minute. Maeda then put his side ahead in the 53rd minute, firing home a direct cross from Kieran Tierney. Just four minutes later, he produced a moment of magic: controlling a bouncing ball while facing away from goal inside the penalty area, he executed a stunning overhead kick that left the Rangers goalkeeper rooted to the spot as the ball nestled into the top-right corner.
The Japan international, who scored his fifth goal in three consecutive games (six in four across all competitions) and brought his seasonal tally to 12, was named Man of the Match. Despite the accolade, he remained humble, crediting the team’s effort. Captain Callum McGregor praised his performance, saying, “Daizen’s goal was a special moment in itself,” as quoted on Celtic’s official site.
Manager Martin O’Neill lauded Maeda’s all-around display: “Daizen was truly outstanding from start to finish. His defensive work, pressing, and energy were incredible—you wonder where he gets it from. But beyond that, his overall play was brilliant today. He gave the Rangers defense no time to settle, and that goal was absolutely sensational.”
Celtic’s social media hailed the strike as “a goal that will be talked about for generations,” while the official website described it as “one of the greatest goals in Glasgow derby history,” calling it “a moment of artistic beauty” and “a magical overhead kick.” They also noted his relentless energy caused problems for the away team from the start.
Local media were unanimous in their praise. The Guardian reported, “The second half became a ‘Maeda show’—a nightmare for Rangers. Tierney provided a perfect chance, and the Japanese forward didn’t miss. For the second goal, the manager aptly described it as ‘sensational.’ After a half-cleared cross, the ball dropped at Maeda’s feet with his back to goal. He flicked it up and unleashed an unbelievable overhead kick.”