Motherwell 2-0 Celtic: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Motherwell 2-0 Celtic in the Premiership on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Motherwell beat Celtic 2-0 in a solid home win that shook up the league standings. The hosts got off to a flying start when Ibrahim Said found the net in the 14th minute, assisted by Stephen O’Donnell, giving them an early lead that set the tone. Celtic pushed back but couldn’t break through, and Motherwell doubled their advantage in the 58th minute with a goal from Elliot Watt, building on their recent form that included wins over Dundee and Livingston to keep the pressure on.

The second half saw Celtic make a triple substitution at the break, bringing on Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Shin Yamada, but they picked up four yellow cards in quick succession, including ones for Auston Trusty, Reo Hatate, Anthony Ralston and later Liam Scales, which disrupted their rhythm. Motherwell managed the game well, making late changes like Callum Hendry coming on for Elijah Just in the 75th minute to see out the result. This defeat adds to Celtic’s patchy recent run, with losses to Dundee United and Hearts highlighting some vulnerabilities ahead of tougher tests.

Celtic edged possession with 57% compared to Motherwell’s 43%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball, but the hosts made their moments count on the counter with just one assist recorded overall in the game. The visitors racked up more successful dribbles at 44 against Motherwell’s 20, and they earned three corners to the home side’s one, showing they created pressure but lacked the finishing touch.

Discipline was a clear issue for Celtic, picking up four yellow cards while Motherwell stayed clean, and both teams used most of their substitutions – Motherwell with four, like Emmanuel Longelo replacing Oscar Priestman in the 85th minute, and Celtic with five, including Colby Donovan coming on for Anthony Ralston at the hour mark. There were no penalties or injury-time goals, underlining a match where Motherwell’s efficiency in key areas proved decisive without needing extra drama.

The game turned early when Ibrahim Said scored in the 14th minute, with Stephen O’Donnell’s assist helping Motherwell grab the lead and settle their nerves. Celtic tried to respond but were hit by a flurry of yellow cards around the middle of the second half, starting with Auston Trusty in the 52nd minute, followed quickly by Reo Hatate and Anthony Ralston both in the 56th, which hampered their momentum.

Motherwell sealed the points with Elliot Watt’s goal in the 58th minute, and while Celtic made changes like James Forrest replacing Hyun-jun Yang in the 66th to chase the game, Liam Scales’ yellow in the 74th added to their frustrations. Late subs for Motherwell, such as Zander McAllister coming on for Callum Slattery and Luca Ross replacing Ibrahim Said in stoppage time, helped them manage the closing stages effectively.

Motherwell lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape that gave them a solid base to absorb pressure and hit on the break, with partnerships like Stephen O’Donnell assisting Ibrahim Said proving key in attack. Elliot Watt anchored the midfield well to control the tempo, while late introductions like Callum Hendry for Elijah Just added fresh legs up front.

Celtic set out in a 3-4-1-2 formation aiming for width and creativity, but yellow cards to players like Auston Trusty, Reo Hatate, Anthony Ralston and Liam Scales disrupted their flow. Half-time changes saw Arne Engels replace Kieran Tierney, Luke McCowan come on for Daizen Maeda and Shin Yamada take over from Paulo Bernardo, with later swaps like Colby Donovan for Anthony Ralston and James Forrest for Hyun-jun Yang trying to spark a comeback.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Ibrahim Said, who stood out with his goal in the 14th minute and two key passes that kept Motherwell’s attacks flowing. While he didn’t notch any assists or big chances created, his overall contribution was vital in breaking down Celtic’s defence and helping secure the clean sheet victory.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Celtic (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Rangers (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Dundee (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Dundee United (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Livingston (H)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Motherwell (A)
• Win: 4-2 vs Livingston (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Aberdeen (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Dundee United (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Hearts (H)

Motherwell have just beaten Celtic 2-0, a result that boosts their push for a top spot as they sit fourth on 33 points with a mixed recent form including a loss to Rangers but wins over Dundee and Livingston. Their next match is against St. Mirren on 2026-01-03 at 15:00, with the opponents currently tenth on 18 points, offering a chance to build momentum and widen the gap over the lower half of the table.

Celtic have just lost 2-0 to Motherwell, a setback that leaves them second on 38 points after a run featuring wins against Livingston and Aberdeen but defeats to Dundee United and Hearts. They face Rangers next on 2026-01-03 at 12:30, with the rivals third on 35 points, making it a crucial Old Firm clash where a win could help them pull clear at the top while a slip might tighten the title race.

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