Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title hopes are alive and kicking following a thrilling 3-3 draw at Ibrox this afternoon in the third Glasgow derby of the season.
The Hoops couldn’t have asked for a better start to the game, Daizen Maeda opening the scoring straight from kick-off.
The hosts started things from the centre mark but when it fell to Joe Hart, he launched a dangerous ball in behind the Rangers’ backline.
Daizen Maeda made full use of his lightning pace to get right on James Tavernier’s back. The defender looked to clear the ball out for a throw-in but the Japanese wide-man quickly appeared.
Maeda put a leg out and from just outside the area, deflected the ball home inside 21 seconds.
The early opener gave the Hoops a monumental boost and this season in Scotland’s top flight, it was the quickest goal that has been scored:
The fastest goal in the Scottish Premiership this season and what a time to get it for Daizen Maeda!#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/JreDToAYEB
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) April 7, 2024
Between now and the end of the season, one can’t imagine any player scoring earlier in a game than Maeda. The strike summed up the 26-year-old’s style of play and it got things started in the best way possible for Celtic.
