Hibernian avoided their usual late heartbreak to set up a League Cup final against Rangers, beating city rivals Hearts 2-1 at Hampden. As the clock ran down, fans waited for the familiar sucker punch that had defined recent Edinburgh derbies, when Hearts had struck late in three meetings last season.
With two minutes left, Hearts pressed hard. Jordi Altena's delivery found Claudio Braga alone a few yards from goal, but he blew his big chance, leaving his team-mates stunned. Hibs fans, long haunted by late goals against Hearts, Midtjylland, Legia Warsaw and others, celebrated wildly.
Manager Marink Reedijk was delighted, as beating Hearts is always special, and beating them in a cup semi-final is extra-special. Hibs have been something of an enigma this season, with good players but a place near the bottom of the Premiership, and only one win in nine across all competitions.
The match had started badly for Hibs, as Braga scored early and Hibs missed chances through Felix Passlack and Owen Elding. Hearts were hit by a run of injuries, but Hibs were terrific for much of the first half, and the victory brought long-awaited relief to a club that has had little to cheer about on or off the pitch this season.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing