Celtic title hopes rescued by 97th-minute winner in stunning comeback

Julian Araujo struck a sensational 97th-minute winner to complete a remarkable turnaround for Celtic against Kilmarnock and keep their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.

Martin O’Neill’s side appeared to be crashing out of the title race after trailing 2-0 at half-time at Rugby Park.

With rivals Hearts and Rangers facing off later in the day, the visitors knew a defeat would be catastrophic for their league aspirations.

However, a chaotic stoppage-time finish ensured the Hoops snatched all three points in dramatic fashion.

Defensive errors punish Hoops

The afternoon began disastrously for the Glasgow giants.

Tyreece John-Jules curled the hosts in front after just 21 minutes following a lapse in concentration from Auston Trusty.

Matters worsened shortly before the half-hour mark when Joe Hugill headed home a second.

Kasper Schmeichel will feel he should have done better to prevent the header, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

O’Neill’s changes spark revival

O’Neill responded decisively at the interval with a triple substitution, introducing experienced midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to steady the ship.

The changes paid immediate dividends as Sebastian Tounekti gave the travelling support hope.

The substitute curled a magnificent effort into the net from 25 yards to halve the deficit.

Momentum had firmly swung, and the equaliser arrived just eight minutes later.

Benjamin Nygren latched onto a long throw from Araujo to finish from close range, netting his 16th goal of the campaign.

Late drama at Rugby Park

Despite the comeback, the hosts refused to crumble and created the better chances to win the game in regulation time.

John-Jules rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick before being forced off with a thigh injury.

Robbie Deas then squandered a golden opportunity, nodding over the bar after a corner was flicked into his path.

Callum McGregor went close for the visitors with a distance strike that tricked just past the post.

But the defining moment arrived deep into added time.

Kilmarnock failed to clear a corner, and Araujo was on hand to slam the ball home from inside the box.

The result ensures the pressure remains firmly on the league leaders ahead of the showdown at Tynecastle.