Callum McGregor's bizarre winner earned Celtic victory over Aberdeen and ensured they remain four points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers.
Jota's finish broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, but Liel Abada's trip on David Bates allowed Lewis Ferguson to equalise from the spot.
Celtic stepped up the intensity in the second period and scored a fortuitous winner, with a clearance rebounding off McGregor into the net.
The defeat leaves Aberdeen eighth.
Boss Stephen Glass will feel aggrieved at losing in such circumstances after his team delivered a brave defensive display, but the harsh reality is the result extends their losing streak to three games and leaves them 10 points off the top four.
As for Celtic, it is a vital win for Ange Postecoglou's side as they put Thursday's Europa League exit behind them to ensure they did not fall further behind Rangers, who defeated Livingston 3-1 earlier on Sunday.
Reaction & as it happened
Scott Brown's first visit back to Parkhead poignantly came on the first game played at Celtic Park since the passing of club legend Bertie Auld, with the ex-Celtic skipper laying a wreath along with current captain McGregor pre-match.
A banner stating "that's entertainment" - in tribute to one of Auld's many memorable quotes - was displayed in the centre circle prior to kick-off, and that is exactly what Postecoglou's side treated their home fans to with their opener.
David Turnbull's delightful chip found McGregor charging into the box and he slid a pass across to Jota to claim his fifth goal in as many games.
It took the hosts about 15 minutes to get going. An early clash between keeper Joe Hart and Christian Ramirez resulted in lengthy treatment for the home keeper, and that played a part in the game getting off to a slow start.
Apart from one piece of defence-splitting play, Aberdeen's backline were resolute - and they continued to be after Jota's opener, allowing Glass' men to feel their way back into the game.
In their first real effort on goal, Marley Watkins let fly from outside the box and had Hart at full stretch to tip the ball round the far post.
The resulting corner saw the Dons earn a spot-kick when Abada tripped Bates in the box. Ferguson confidently sent Hart the wrong way from 12 yards.
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