Celtic moved up to second place and within five points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts following a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Aberdeen.

Benjamin Nygren scored the winner midway through the second half at Pittodrie, where a Kevin Nisbet penalty had cancelled out Kieran Tierney's opener.

Martin O'Neill's side broke the deadlock after just five minutes, when Liam Scales helped on a corner for Tierney to prod home from close range.

However, the hosts were back on level terms in the 19th minute, as Nisbet tucked home from the penalty spot after Scales fouled Toyosi Olusanya.

Yet, the visitors edged their noses back in front on 67 minutes, when Nygren poked past Dimitar Mitov from fellow substitute James Forrest's cross.

Both sides went close to scoring again during the final quarter of the contest, but the Hoops held on to leapfrog Rangers to second place.

Data Debrief: Dons' Hoops hoodoo continues

Celtic extended their unbeaten streak against Aberdeen in all competitions to 34 matches (W27 D7), while they have now won 16 of their last 19 visits to Pittodrie in the Scottish Premiership (D3).

The Hoops have also prevailed in 21 of their last 23 top-flight matches played on a Wednesday.

Aberdeen are now without a win in five league games, but, on a personal note, Nisbet has scored in three successive Scottish Premiership home games for the first time.