Hibs beat Hearts at Hampden to reach League Cup final against Rangers
Hibs survived a late scare to beat Hearts 2-1 at Hampden and set up a League Cup final against Rangers, ending a run of derby heartbreak.
Hibernian reached the League Cup final with a 2-1 win over city rivals Hearts at Hampden, setting up a meeting with Rangers. The result ended a recent pattern of late derby defeats for Hibs, who had been beaten by Hearts in the closing minutes of three Edinburgh derbies last season.
Hearts took an early lead when Claudio Braga scored a close-range header, but Hibs responded strongly before half-time. Goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath gave them the advantage, and it was the first time Hibs had scored twice against Premiership opposition since August.
The second half brought heavy Hearts pressure, with Raphael Sallinger saving from Sabri Guendouz and Braga missing a golden late chance from Jordi Altena's delivery that would have forced extra time. Hibs also wasted counter-attacking opportunities, including a close-range chance for Marko Ivezic.
Hearts' afternoon was disrupted by injuries, including a head clash that left Tomas Magnusson unsteady; manager Wouter Vrancken intervened on the touchline when the midfielder appeared set to return. The article argues Hearts should explain what testing was done before he was considered fit to continue.
Hibs remain bottom of the Premiership and had won just one of their previous nine matches in all competitions, making the semi-final a striking exception. Supporters, hardened by late goals conceded against Hearts and other opponents this season, reacted with relief and joy at the final whistle.
Marink Reedijk, recently appointed Hibs manager, earned a significant early result by beating Hearts in a cup semi-final. The article frames the win as a potential turning point for a side with good players but poor league form, with the final against Rangers offering a chance to confirm real progress.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
