Hampden heartbreak for Hearts as Hibs secure a historic Edinburgh derby victory, leaving their rivals devastated after a memorable afternoon.
Hibernian produced a memorable Edinburgh derby performance to come from behind and defeat Hearts 2-1 at Hampden, booking their place in next month’s Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers.
The result marked a significant turnaround for David Gray’s side, who arrived at the derby having failed to win any of their previous five matches, while Hearts had managed just one victory in their last five outings.
Both managers made one change from their midweek fixtures, with Stephen Kingsley replacing the injured Rogers Mato for Hearts, while Martin Boyle returned to the Hibs starting XI in place of Nicky Cadden.
It was Hearts who made the perfect start, taking the lead just three minutes into the contest. Calvin Miller delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which Claudio Braga met with a powerful header to give Hearts an early advantage.
Hibs nearly responded immediately, with Martin Boyle coming close to finding an equaliser, but Hibs gradually grew into the contest and began to put the Hearts defence under increasing pressure.
Their persistence paid off in the 19th minute when Owen Elding provided the assist for Martin Boyle, whose effort struck the post before finding its way into the back of the net. Following a brief offside check, the goal was awarded and Hibs were back on level terms.
Hearts struggled to regain control as Hibs continued to push forward, and their pressure eventually told just before half-time. A dangerous attack saw the ball bobble around inside the penalty area before Jamie McGrath found the net to complete the turnaround and send the Hibs support into celebrations.
Despite taking an early lead, Hearts went into the break trailing 2-1, with Hibs having turned the game around through two well-timed goals.
Hearts emerged for the second half with renewed urgency, immediately putting the visitors under pressure as they searched for an equaliser.
Hearts enjoyed much more possession in dangerous areas and began creating opportunities, with Mendy firing narrowly wide before Braga forced a save from Hibs goalkeeper Sallinger.
As the half progressed, Hearts continued to pile forward in search of a way back into the match. Yan Dhanda saw a powerful effort tipped over by Sallinger, while several dangerous deliveries into the box were dealt with by an increasingly stretched Hibs defence.
Hibs had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt themselves. Owen Elding saw a header saved by Reus following a Boyle corner, while substitute Thibault Klidje fired narrowly over after being introduced from the bench.
Hibs were forced to withstand a nervy finish, defending their lead through three minutes of added time as Hearts searched desperately for one final opportunity.
The 2-1 result ends Hibs’ five game winless run in the perfect fashion, sending them into the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers next month.
For Hearts, it is a bitterly disappointing afternoon after surrendering an early advantage, with their second half pressure ultimately proving insufficient.
Hibs haven’t reached the League Cup final since 2021 where they came up short against Celtic who ended up beating them 2-1.
Joe Newell was named man of the match following an influential performance in the middle of the park as Hibs secured a memorable 2-1 victory and a place in the final.
