Ten-man Celtic suffered a major setback in the Scottish Premiership title race as a late goal from Kai Andrews handed Hibernian their first win at Parkhead since 2010 on a dramatic afternoon in Glasgow.
Just three days after a heavy 4-1 Europa League defeat to Stuttgart, Martin O’Neill’s side were stunned again on home soil.
The 73-year-old endured his first domestic loss of the season as Celtic’s recent habit of conceding first continued.
Hibs took the lead midway through the first half when Felix Passlack rose to head home a curling cross from Nicky Cadden, marking the fourth time in five matches Celtic had fallen behind.
The hosts responded before the break, Benjamin Nygren nodding in from close range after sustained pressure to restore parity.
News filtering through that Livingston were leading Rangers briefly lifted the mood inside Celtic Park despite the driving rain, but the game turned decisively in the second half.
Defender Auston Trusty was shown a red card following an on-field VAR review, adjudged to have used excessive force when lashing out at Jamie McGrath before a corner.
Reduced to 10 men, Celtic lost their momentum.
Although Rangers would later mount a comeback in their own match, Hibs seized their opportunity in Glasgow.
Ante Suto teed up Andrews, who buried a superb late winner to secure a seismic victory for the visitors.
The result leaves Celtic third with a game in hand, six points behind leaders Hearts and two adrift of Rangers ahead of next Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
In what has been an extraordinary Premiership campaign, Celtic’s luck appeared to run out.
O’Neill’s side had previously rescued results against Dundee, Livingston and Kilmarnock after slow starts, but there would be no late reprieve this time.
Despite firing 21 shots, only three tested the goalkeeper.
Nygren’s equaliser - his 18th goal of the season - proved their sole reward.
The Swede had earlier fired wide, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, making his first Celtic start, also missed a presentable chance.
Hibernian, for their part, showed resilience. Martin Boyle was guilty of wastefulness in the first half, but the visitors remained composed and clinical when their chance came.
This victory should not be framed solely in terms of its impact on the title race.
Hibs’ long-awaited success in Glasgow also strengthens their push for European qualification, underlining their growing belief and credentials in a fiercely competitive season.
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill: "It's a setback, that's all it is. We're still in the race. There's not much room for error but we can still fight back.
"I thought we were absolutely terrific. The players put heart and soul into the game. No complaints on that side whatsoever."
Hibs head coach David Gray: "It's been a long time coming. That's twice we've been here [this season] and not lost.
"It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance that requires every man to be at their very best."
