Football: Scottish Cup Celtic s Daizen Maeda L scores in the first half of a Scottish Cup semifinal football match against St. Johnstone in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 20, 2025. Imago Images
Celtic secured a narrow but vital 1-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in Matchday 6 of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season.
Mika Baur’s goal proved to be the decisive moment of the match, sealing three points for the Hoops and keeping their perfect Premiership record intact.
Martin O’Neill’s side had entered the Perth clash having won all five of their opening league matches, making them clear favourites heading into the contest.
The victory extends Celtic’s dominant start to the campaign and reinforces their position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership table.
St Johnstone had arrived at this fixture with genuine confidence, having defeated Hibernian 2-1 in their most recent Premiership outing before the midweek clash.
The Perth side sat seventh in the table after five matchdays, carrying a record of two wins, one draw, and two defeats into Wednesday’s contest.
Despite their positive recent form, St Johnstone were unable to find a way past Celtic’s defence across the ninety minutes at McDiarmid Park.
Celtic navigated the match with several fitness concerns in their squad, with Callum Osmand, Kieran Tierney, Kasper Hogh, Alastair Johnston, and Portuguese winger Jota among those monitored ahead of kick-off.
St Johnstone also had concerns of their own, with midfielder Jamie Gullan listed as a doubt, and Kai Fotheringham potentially stepping in alongside Josh Fowler and Taylor Steven in attack.
The hosts pushed hard to find an equaliser as the match progressed, but Celtic’s defensive organisation held firm throughout the closing stages of the game.
Baur’s winning contribution will be remembered as a significant moment in Celtic’s title charge, with the Hoops demonstrating they can grind out results even when not at their fluid best.
O’Neill’s squad will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, aiming to maintain their momentum and build on yet another clean sheet in league competition.
The result leaves St Johnstone still searching for a result against one of the Premiership’s top sides, though their campaign remains far from over with much of the season still ahead.
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