Late Magnusson Strike Seals Tense Edinburgh Derby for Hearts
Hearts tightened their grip on the Scottish Premiership summit with a dramatic 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Hibernian in a fiercely contested Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when substitute Tomas Magnusson pounced to spark jubilant scenes and secure three crucial points for the league leaders.
Magnusson Emerges as the Derby Hero
The match appeared destined for a stalemate until the closing stages, when Harry Milne delivered a low cross from the left flank. The onrushing Tomas Magnusson, introduced from the bench, showed impeccable timing to force the ball home from close range, sending the home support into raptures. Teammate Pierre Landry Kaboré was among the first to celebrate with the match-winner, highlighting the squad's unity.
Hearts Extend Their Lead at the Top
This hard-fought victory extends Hearts' lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to six points over Rangers, who hold a game in hand. The Jambos now sit nine points clear of Celtic, although the Glasgow side have two matches to play. The result underscores Hearts' resilience and championship credentials as the season enters its critical phase.
A Frenetic Encounter with Few Clear Chances
The derby lived up to its typically frenetic reputation, with both sides struggling to impose sustained quality in the final third. Hearts started brightly, with Landry Kaboré driving a low effort just wide and Cláudio Braga sending an acrobatic attempt over the bar.
Hibernian created a good opportunity on the counter-attack in the ninth minute, but Felix Passlack overhit his pass to Martin Boyle. The resulting move saw Nicky Cadden's angled shot deflected away by the alert Frankie Kent.
Hearts had several half-chances as the first half progressed. January signing Islam Chesnokov, making his first start, was closed down by goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger when through on goal. Alexandros Kyziridis also shot over from just outside the box.
The Jambos went closest in the 41st minute when Kaboré's shot deflected into the path of Chesnokov, but the Kazakh forward blazed over from close range under pressure from Sallinger.
Hibs Grow into the Game Before Late Heartbreak
Hibernian grew into the contest as the first half wore on, becoming the more assured side. They threatened just before the interval when Martin Boyle turned in the box and saw a low shot saved by Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.
After the break, Hearts tested Sallinger for the first time in the 53rd minute through a low Harry Milne drive from 20 yards. Hibernian then cranked up the pressure around the hour mark, with Cadden's dangerous delivery across the goalmouth brilliantly cut out by Kyziridis with Boyle lurking unmarked.
The visitors went close again in the 69th minute when Boyle fizzed a shot just over from another Cadden delivery. However, their pressure ultimately proved in vain as Magnusson's late intervention secured all three points for Derek McInnes's side.
Team News and Managerial Decisions
Hearts manager Derek McInnes made two changes from the side that lost to St Mirren. He handed a first start to new signing Islam Chesnokov, while Frankie Kent replaced the suspended Craig Halkett. Hibernian also made two alterations, with Nicky Cadden and Kai Andrews coming in for Jordan Obita and Élie Youan following their midweek victory over Dundee United.
The result leaves Hearts in a commanding position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while Hibernian will rue missed opportunities in a match that ultimately turned on one moment of decisive quality.
