EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — The long-running three-team battle to win the Scottish league title is now dominated by the two teams below the top. Heart of Midlothian They fought back to beat the Rangers 2-1 on Monday.
Hearts have a three-point lead over second-placed Celtic with three matches remaining, and are at a huge disadvantage against their superior opponents as they chase their first league title in 66 years.
The Rangers were almost eliminated, falling behind by seven points.
Rangers face Celtic on Sunday in a Glasgow derby between fierce rivals who have joined forces to win the league for the past 40 years, which could be a big boon for Hearts.
Hearts took a big step towards a surprising unheralded Scottish Premiership victory with late goals from defender Stephen Kingsley and talismanic forward Lawrence Shankland. The Rangers took the lead in the first half on a deflected shot by Dujon Sterling.
Shankland’s decisive left-footed strike in the 71st minute was his 14th league goal of the season and looked like he could lead Scotland’s attack when the Tartans return. world cup The game against Haiti will be held on June 13th at New England Patriots Stadium.
Hearts play at Motherwell next Saturday night and could go six points clear before Celtic host Rangers the day before.
Hearts also have a larger goal difference than Celtic, and if they are level on points after the final game of the season (played in Glasgow on May 16), it will be their first tie-break.
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