Hibernian avoided late heartbreak to defeat city rivals Hearts 2-1 at Hampden and secure a League Cup final against Rangers. Despite trailing after four minutes, Hibs took the lead before half-time through Claudio Braga. Hearts pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Braga squandered a glorious chance in the dying moments. Hibs fans, accustomed to late defeats, finally experienced liberation from the 'sucker punch' narrative. Manager Marink Reedijk hailed the victory as the perfect introduction to his reign.
Hibs entered the match as underdogs bottom of the Premiership, plagued by inconsistency and a run of near-misses. The team featured a makeshift defence due to injuries, yet created several clear-cut chances. Felix Passlack and Owen Elding went close before the break. After the interval, Hibs dominated despite Hearts' depleted lineup, with Braga remaining a constant threat. The decisive moment arrived when Braga missed a late opportunity that would have sent the game to extra time. The victory marks a turning point for a side seeking consistency and confidence after a bitter start to the season.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing