Aberdeen’s 2-1 victory over Hearts highlights how a year can change fortunes. Early flurries from the Dons were met with calm from the visitors, yet Oisin Mc Entee’s close‑range strike put Hearts ahead.

The match’s turning point came in the 90th minute. A foul by Harry Milne and a chaotic free‑kick by Stuart Armstrong set up a header from Dan Happe, and Kevin Nisbet finished with Lewis Mayo’s assist. Hearts saw a defender sent off after a penalty, cutting their chances.

With the win, Aberdeen faces Benfica in the Europa League, where Vrancken must rally his squad for a 20:00 BST clash in Lisbon. The club will need to balance attack and counter‑attack to stay competitive.

The coach admitted that going on the front line with too many players left them exposed, especially when leading 1-0. He stressed the need for focus and adaptability in the next game.