Celtic emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against Motherwell in a thrilling Scottish Premiership encounter, marked by the return of Jota, who scored a decisive goal in stoppage time. The match kicked off with an electrifying start as Daizen Maeda put Celtic in the lead just 49 seconds into the game. However, Motherwell's Luke Armstrong soon leveled the score, adding tension to the highly competitive fixture. Adam Idah's goal before the break restored Celtic's advantage, ensuring an edge for the visitors. Despite two disallowed goals for offside, Celtic maintained their dominance and sealed the win with Jota's late contribution.
Jota's goal was significant as it marked his first since rejoining Celtic from Rennes. His return has been eagerly anticipated by fans, despite manager Brendan Rodgers' acknowledgment that Jota is still working towards full fitness. Rodgers expressed confidence in Jota's potential, emphasizing the player's commitment to reaching optimal form. The manager highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Jota effectively into the team.
"He's obviously a long way away from the fitness level that he would need to be at, to be in the team, but he's certainly going to build himself there." – Brendan Rodgers
Motherwell, under caretaker manager Stephen Frail, aimed to strengthen their attack by introducing new signings Luke Plange and Will Dickson. Despite their efforts, Celtic's stronghold at the top of the Premiership remains unshaken, maintaining a 10-point lead while Motherwell holds the sixth position. Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady praised Jota as a valuable addition, viewing his signing as a promising start for the club.
"That is our plan. There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes in order to do that, so we're hopeful that we can." – Brendan Rodgers
The match was not without its challenges for Celtic, as their limited options up front were highlighted when winger Yang Hyun-jun replaced Idah, leading Maeda to move into the center. Despite these constraints, Celtic's strategic play and resilience shone through.
Motherwell's equalizing goal by Armstrong provided a brief respite for the home side, but Idah's composed finish ensured Celtic regained control before halftime. The match's intensity continued with disallowed goals that tested Celtic's resolve. However, Jota's presence on the field added a spark to Celtic's performance when he arrived late on and ultimately connected with Maeda's ball to score in stoppage time.
Jota's return has sparked enthusiasm among fans and experts alike. McGeady dismissed concerns over Jota's previous departure, urging focus on the player's present contributions and future potential.
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