The latest setback came in Lisbon, where another report says Benfica led 3-0 at half-time before eventually winning 4-1. Celtic’s defending was heavily criticised during the opening period, but the visitors improved after the interval and pulled a goal back through Camilo Duran.
That second-half reaction appears to be the foundation for O’Neill’s optimism. Yet the wider sequence remains difficult to ignore. Celtic have also lost both of their Europa League matches, leaving little room for another slow start against domestic opposition.
Hearts finished as last season’s Premiership runners-up and represent a significant test of Celtic’s ability to recover quickly. This will be the first meeting between the teams at Parkhead since their final-day decider, adding extra edge to a fixture already carrying weight for the hosts.
Celtic’s priority should be control rather than another frantic contest. The Benfica loss underlined the cost of defensive lapses, while the improved second half showed that the team can still produce a response when the structure improves.
A positive reaction can protect confidence during a poor run, but the next step is tangible: stronger defending, better discipline and an opening period that does not leave Celtic chasing the match.
The Hearts fixture is therefore more than a routine league assignment. It is the first opportunity for O’Neill’s encouraging assessment to acquire credibility. Celtic’s next storyline will be whether that late improvement in Lisbon becomes the starting point for a result-or another brief lift inside a damaging run.