Viljami Sinisalo’s reaction to Daizen Maeda’s overhead kick against Rangers said everything. And so did the incredible reaction from the stands.
Celtic’s goalkeeper could barely believe what he had just seen after Daizen Maeda produced an outrageous overhead kick during Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers at Celtic Park.
The footage shared by the club quickly became one of the standout moments from the day. Sinisalo’s instant reaction captured exactly how the stadium felt when Maeda sent the ball flying into the top corner.
Celtic’s social media team clearly recognised the scale of the moment as well. Their “One for the ages” caption was not exaggeration.
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Daizen Maeda delivered a Glasgow Derby moment supporters will replay for years
There are goals that win matches and there are goals that immediately become part of derby history.
Maeda’s overhead kick belonged firmly in the second category.
The technique alone was ridiculous. The speed of thought made it even better. Most players would have tried to bring the ball down. Maeda reacted instantly and produced a finish that completely changed the atmosphere inside Celtic Park.
That is why Sinisalo’s reaction mattered so much. Teammates usually give away the real importance of moments before supporters or pundits do.
The Celtic goalkeeper looked genuinely stunned by what he had witnessed as he raced away to celebrate with fans.
Maeda is producing when Celtic need him most
The goal also continued Maeda’s remarkable recent Celtic form.
The Japanese forward now has six goals in four matches, and Celtic are relying heavily on him during the title run-in.
What makes Maeda so valuable is that he combines relentless work-rate with decisive quality. Defenders never get a quiet afternoon against him, but he is now adding huge moments on top of that.
Even Maeda himself tried to play the goal down afterwards, calling it “just lucky”.
No one inside Celtic Park believed that.
Sinisalo’s reaction proved it immediately.
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