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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Hibs 4 Celtic 2 as Easter Road sees huge win over champions - 3 things we learned

Hibs saw an unlikely win against Celtic as Elie Youan's double downed the champions on a sunny evening at Easter Road.

Hibs started the better side, with Youan almost putting them 1-0 up in the first minute. Celtic grew into the game from there, and despite Liel Abada missing an open goal, were given the chance to take the lead when Callum McGregor was fouled.

Reo Hatate tucked the penalty home, and from there it seemed like the away side would have seen the game out. But when Youan equalised on half time, they threatened to upset the apple cart. Oh's goal put that seemingly to bed - before a Hibs onslaught after Daizen Maeda received his marching orders for two yellow cards.

READ MORE: Kevin Nisbet admits Premiership clash with Celtic could be his last game at Easter Road

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Kevin Nisbet's penalty from an Anthony Ralston foul levelled the tie, before Hoops keeper Scott Bain went from hero to zero for the Hoops as he let Youan's long-range strike slip through his hands. Then, with Hibs riveting, they killed the tie off thanks to Paul Hanlon's header at the back stick to leave the champions down and out.

It's a win that keeps the hunt for fourth-place well and truly on in what will be a mouthwatering final day clash in Edinburgh - against Hearts. Edinburgh Live takes a look at three key talking points.

Excellent Elie

Elie Youan was a man of two halves tonight - excellent for the first first few minutes, lacking that clinical edge in the second - and then Man of the Match wrapped up with a scintillating second half.

His outrageous volley drew the tie level, and whilst his second goal was helped through Scott Bain's shocking mistake, it wouldn't have gone in had he not shot.

This is the Youan that Hibs fans will want to see next year after his services were confirmed on a permanent deal earlier last week.

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VAR helping hand

Daizen Maeda was sent off for a second yellow to boost Hibs' chances, but the Japanese star could have been joined by Jake Doyle-Hayes after the midfielder fouled in the centre of the park.

He too was given a red card, but it was overturned by VAR after a lengthy review.

The Irishman could have counted himself lucky on another day, though the video evidence showed that he got the ball and the right decision was made.

The numerical advantage then gave Hibs the chance to score the three extra goals that came their way.

Tantalising derby day

Of course, the result means that Hibs now face a straight shoot-out with Hearts to finish fourth. The Jambos only drew at Rangers, and the win puts them just two points behind their local rivals.

They will travel to Tynecastle knowing that a win over Steven Naismith's men will see them finish fourth, culminating in a great season.

None of them can third place, but it will result in by-passing an extra round of Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Not only that, but bragging rights in the city can be restored.

READ NEXT:

- Steven Naismith overjoyed by Hearts comeback vs Aberdeen as third-place race hots up

- Hearts 2 Aberdeen 1 as battle for third on, Josh Ginnelly a must keep - 3 things we learned

- Hearts player ratings as Jambos overcome Aberdeen threat to keep third place dreams alive

- Cammy Devlin outlines four key Hearts areas of his game to improve after Steven Naismith talks

- Harry Stone handed new Hearts deal as Joe Savage talks Craig Gordon path to success

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