Hibs reach League Cup final after edging Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Hampden
Hibernian secured a 2-1 victory over Hearts at Hampden to set up a League Cup final clash against Rangers next month.
A view overlooking grandstand seating and an urban skyline. Stock image · Photograph: Photo by Bree Anne on Unsplash
Hibernian booked their place in the League Cup final after overcoming Edinburgh rivals Hearts 2-1 at Hampden, securing their first-ever victory over their city rivals at the national stadium.
Hearts took the lead after just four minutes when Claudio Braga scored with a close-range header. However, Hibs turned the match around before half-time, with goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath giving the Easter Road side a 2-1 lead by the break. It marked the first time Hibs had scored two goals against Premiership opposition since August.
Hearts suffered first-half injury blows when Tomas Magnusson was forced off following a clash of heads, with manager Wouter Vrancken intervening on the touchline after the unsteady midfielder was initially considered fit to return. Calvin Miller was also substituted before the break and finished the match with his knee in a brace.
Despite Hearts pushing for an equaliser during the second half—including late opportunities where Raphael Sallinger tipped a Sabri Guendouz effort over and Braga missed an unmarked chance from close range—new Hibs manager Marink Reedijk saw his team hold on to secure the win.
Hibs, who entered the semi-final sitting bottom of the Premiership with only one victory in their previous nine matches across all competitions, will now return to Hampden next month to face Rangers in the final.