The 2004/05 Scottish Premier League season remains one of the most nerve-shredding and exciting final days of a campaign that continues to live long in the memory of the royal blue half of Glasgow.
The destination of the title in Scotland had gone right down to the wire on five previous occasions, with Rangers prevailing in 2003, 2009 and in 2011 while Celtic ran out last-day winners in 2008. The title was won rather than lost on those occasions.
The dramatic events which unfolded on of May 22, 2005 became known as ‘Helicopter Sunday’ due to the aircraft changing direction in mid-flight as the identity of the trophy’s winners altered suddenly.
Alex McLeish took his Rangers side through to Edinburgh for a match against Hibernian at Easter Road requiring a victory to give themselves an outside chance of winning the title, while Martin O’Neill’s Celtic arrived in North Lanarkshire to face Motherwell as league leaders.
A grandstand finish would leave both sets of supporters on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting news and reguarly refreshing phones to learn their team’s fate. In the end, it was Rangers who clinched the silverware by a solitary point - their 51st Scottish title.
Here, GlasgowWorld looks back on the twists and turns of that thrilling final day 18 years ago...
5. Missed chances prove costly
Celtic would pass up a number of opportunities to wrap up maximum points. Here, Motherwell goalkeeper Gordon Marshall saves at the feet of Welshman John Hartson in one of the key moments that resulted in O’Neill’s men blowing the title. Photo: SNS Group Jeff Holmes
6. Novo lands telling blow in Capital
Across in Edinburgh, news quickly filtered through that Celtic had scored as half-time approached. Rangers needed a spark and Nacho Novo provided it. The Spaniard found the net after being played in by Thomas Buffel. | Getty Images
7. Can Rangers hang on to victory?
And the striker couldn’t hide his delighted as he celebrated in front of a packed away crowd at Easter Road. It was now a case of focusing on seeing the game out for Alex McLeish’s side. | Getty Images
8. McDonald masters Celts with last-gasp brace
The Gers required a favour from Motherwell. Step up boyhood Celtic fan and Steelmen striker Scott McDonald with two minutes remaining. The Aussie firstly hooked a volley into the top corner before netting again just 60 seconds later to dash the Hoops’ title dreams. | Getty Images