Jota returns as Celtic beat Motherwell 2-0 to reclaim top spot

Celtic beat Motherwell 2-0 at Fir Park on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership, with Jota making his long-awaited return from injury as the visitors moved back to the top of the table. The win ended a run of three straight defeats before the international break.

The result provided a rare lift after weeks of acrimony surrounding the club and a disgruntled fanbase; Celtic's largest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, was the target of a protest during the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament in St Andrews. Martin O'Neill had questioned whether he had the energy to continue as manager after Rangers won at Parkhead last month but subsequently committed to stay on. Jota (right) suffered a cruciate ligament injury at Tannadice in April 2025 and had been on the sidelines for almost 18 months.

Camilo Duran fired the visitors in front early on and midfielder Benjamin Nygren made sure of victory in the second half. Celtic created numerous chances and missed a heap of opportunities, with opposition goalkeeper Alex Paulsen making 12 saves; O'Neill said: "We had a lot of chances and we could have [scored more]." He added that "The first goal's really important, a great goal by Camilo and it settled us down which was good."

Jota was introduced as a 74th-minute substitute and almost provided an assist with his first touches in a lively cameo. He told Sky Sports: "I was waiting on this for a long time," and added: "Just happy to be back. I've been working hard, the guys have been helping me as well. It was just the normal nerves, but after I stepped on the pitch everything goes well." He reflected on the length of his lay-off, saying: "Imagine if someone takes away your child and I've got my child back today - that's how I've been feeling the last year," and: "I found my child again today and I just want to keep it as long as I can. "I'm feeling very good and I'm ready to play more and more and help the team. I know what I can do."

Former Scotland defender Willie Miller commented on the pressure facing O'Neill, saying: "I could only imagine the pressure on Martin O'Neill - I know what it's like in Glasgow if you are beaten by Rangers twice," and added: "But it seems like he's got his mojo back and is back to his old form and that's what results do. "All round, when you look at his team, it must give him a lot of satisfaction." O'Neill reflected on the recent criticism: "Of course, there was a lot of noise and a lot of it we brought on ourselves as well too. So, nice to win. "We have to take the criticism at the time. We lost three matches in a week - two to our big rivals. But we fought back today and let's see what Thursday brings."

Celtic face a busy schedule in Europe and domestically next, with Portuguese giants Benfica awaiting them in the Europa League on Thursday. They then host Hearts - who Benfica beat 7-2 on aggregate in European qualifiers earlier this term - before facing Celta Vigo in another Europa League test.