Analysis The numbers behind the result
Celtic's dominance unrewarded as Dundee Utd cling to parity
The 2-2 scoreline flattered Dundee United, with Celtic's superior expected goals (1.63 vs 0.93) reflecting their control of the game. Despite enjoying 65% possession and outshooting United 29 to 11 (with 8 on target vs 5), Celtic were twice pegged back after taking an early lead through Camilo Duran (18'). United's clinical edge in a frantic five-minute spell saw Zachary Sapsford (28') and Neil Farrugia (31') convert rare first-half chances against the run of play.
The hosts' territorial dominance told in the second half, with 13 corners to United's 5 and substitute Jota providing the assist for Liam Scales' 65th-minute equaliser. While Celtic's 12 blocked shots and 9 off-target efforts highlighted their profligacy, United's resilience defensively (5 saves from Jack Walton) and sharp counterattacking (3 shots on target from 7 inside the box) proved decisive. The key stat: Celtic generated 1.42 xG from open play compared to United's 0.63, underlining how home wastefulness rather than away invention shaped the outcome.