Hibernian defeated Hearts 2–1 in a fierce Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday, November 1, 2026, marking their first-ever derby win against their city rivals at the national stadium and booking a final showdown with Rangers.
The landmark victory gives Marink Reedijk his first win as Hibernian manager. A crowd of 41,673 watched the first Edinburgh derby ever staged at this stage of the League Cup at Barclays Hampden.
Claudio Braga Opens for Hearts Before Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath Respond
The match exploded into life early when Jambos attacker Claudio Braga headed in from a corner in the fourth minute. The striker nodded past the keeper following a delivery from the right by Calvin Miller to claim his fifth goal in 11 appearances this season. Hibs created history in Mount Florida as they overcame the Gorgie side, breaking a run of four previous Hampden defeats against their rivals in 2006, 2012, 2020, and 2022. Although Hearts had won those prior encounters at the venue, this was Hibs’ day. The Easter Road side came from behind through a stirring comeback, turning the tide after a frantic start.
Congrats to hearts who have officially sold out their Hampden allocation for the league cup final!
Hibs absorbed the early blow and levelled in the 19th minute. Returning striker Martin Boyle latched onto a lobbed pass from Owen Elding, beating the goalkeeper with a drive that went in off a post and survived a VAR check for offside.
With three minutes remaining before the interval, the Leith side seized control. Following a cleared corner, Joe Newell fired a powerful drive that was blocked, and midfielder Jamie McGrath steered the loose ball in at the near post to make it 2–1. Hibernian midfielder Joe Newell earned man of the match honors for his commanding display.
Wouter Vrancken Points to Injury Disruptions as Marink Reedijk Savours Historic Triumph
It didn’t have to go this way because we had control of the game when it started. I think it started when Tomas (Magnusson) was injured, that’s clear, and afterwards Calvin Miller. And those two changes – I am not pointing at the players who came in – but the changes took us off the rhythm.
Photo: irishnews.com
Wouter Vrancken, Hearts boss
Despite late pressure from the Gorgie side—including a header wide by Braga with two minutes remaining—Hibs held firm behind a stout defensive display. Reedijk admitted deep emotion as supporters sang Sunshine on Leith at the final whistle.
I’m not always showing my emotions, but it’s really touching. Maybe it looks like I’m an ice king, so to say. Normally in Holland we say ice queen, but therefore an ice king because I’m not a woman.
Marink Reedijk, Hibs boss
I savoured the victory as much as any supporter.
Marink Reedijk, Hibernian manager
Fixture Schedules Ahead for Both Edinburgh Clubs
The defeat leaves Heart of Midlothian third in the Premiership with 20 points from 11 matches, sitting eight points behind league leaders Celtic following a run of three losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Hearts have scored 24 goals and conceded 17 in the league this season. Hearts turn their attention to a Europa Conference League fixture against FK Čukarički before hosting Falkirk on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Photo: BBC
For Hibernian, the result banishes memories of four previous Hampden defeats to Hearts in 2006, 2012, 2020, and 2022 and sets up a Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2026.
