Daizen Maeda scored twice and assisted another as Celtic secured a 3-1 victory over Falkirk, moving level on points with Hearts at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The win sees the top three clubs—Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers—separated by just a single point, with Hearts and Rangers both having a game in hand, scheduled to take place later today.

Celtic capitalized on the advantage of playing ahead of their title rivals, with Maeda’s return to form proving crucial. The Japan international opened the scoring in the 30th minute by intercepting a clearance from Keelan Adams and finishing past Falkirk goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth. Just before halftime, Maeda again influenced proceedings, regaining possession and setting up Kieran Tierney, who struck a powerful shot off the underside of the bar to extend Celtic’s lead.

Despite recent struggles with second-half slowdowns, Celtic maintained composure after Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson pulled one back 20 minutes from time with a well-taken finish. Maeda then sealed the win in the 83rd minute, calmly converting Sebastian Tounekti’s precise low cross.

Hearts retained their position atop the table due to a superior goal difference and will seek to strengthen their lead when they visit local rivals Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby. Meanwhile, Rangers, sitting third, host Motherwell and know that a victory could temporarily propel them into first place before the final match of the day concludes at Easter Road.