Celtic emphatically sealed a 12th Scottish Premiership title in 13 seasons by dismantling Kilmarnock in arguably their finest display of the campaign.
Brendan Rodgers' side travelled to Rugby Park, where they had lost on their previous two visits, knowing a point in their penultimate league fixture would extend their top-flight dominance.
In a performance packed with the urgency and intensity Rodgers craves, two goals inside the opening 12 minutes eliminated any fears of a third straight defeat in Ayrshire.
The outstanding Matt O'Riley - Celtic's player of the season - had a killer back-post ball buried by Adam Idah before Alistair Johnston's driven cross was tapped in by Daizen Maeda.
By the 35th minute, it was three for the rampant visitors as Maeda turned provider for the resurgent James Forrest to convert from close range.
O'Riley rocketed in a stunning fourth from the edge of the box after break before coolly slotting away Celtic's fifth and his 18th goal of the season.
Kilmarnock, already guaranteed fourth spot, were denied a Danny Armstrong consolation at four down, with Marley Watkins judged to be offside by the VAR in the build-up.
This result will not define a stellar season for Derek McInnes' men, who have caused problems for both Old Firm clubs this term, but they were simply blown away by a Celtic side determined to win a 54th top-flight crown in style.
Player of the match - Matt O'Riley (Celtic)
Two goals and an assist for Celtic's main man, who has now taken his goal contribution tally for the season to 36
Celtic's Rodgers call pays off - analysis
"For those who I need to convince, I will see you here in May" was the message from Rodgers to a polarised Celtic support on the day of his unveiling last June.
A year later, those who needed convincing have been won over and the decision from the board to bring him back for a second spell has been vindicated.
Even by Rodgers’ own admission, it has been far from vintage from a Celtic side who have made life difficult for themselves at times, but they have clicked into gear at a crucial period while their city rivals have faltered.
For Kilmarnock, it is a night to forget but a season to remember.
The dread of some in the away end travelling to Ayrshire on Wednesday pays testament to the work of McInnes and his players, who have Europe to look forward to next term after proving they are comfortably Scotland’s fourth-best side.
What they said
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: “It was probably the toughest 90 minutes we have had to endure. They would have beaten any team in the league tonight.
“Subconsciously, when you play against a team who have much more on the game, it’s difficult. Celtic played with such an intensity, never let us breathe and came after us.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Our performance level was immense. Everything I want in the team, technique, speed, power, mobility, creativity, it was all there.
"Overall, it was a brilliant team performance and a great way to clinch the title. We wanted to sprint over the line and we went over it really quickly tonight."
What's next?
Celtic will lift the title following their final match at home to St Mirren on Saturday, while Kilmarnock end their campaign at Dundee (12:30 BST).
