Hearts vs Hibernian clinched a thrilling 1-0 victory against Hibernian in the latest Edinburgh derby on February 10, 2026, at Tynecastle Park, with substitute Tomas Magnusson firing home the decisive goal in the 88th minute to send the home fans into raptures and solidify their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings six points clear of closest challengers Rangers.
Match Overview
Dramatic Late Winner Ignites Tynecastle
Hearts dominated possession early in this pulsating Premiership clash but struggled to break down a resolute Hibernian defense that frustrated their attacks with disciplined organization and timely interventions, yet as the clock ticked into the final minutes, manager Steven Naismith’s tactical substitutions unlocked the game when Magnusson burst forward after a quick counter initiated by Frankie Kent’s precise long ball, controlled the bouncing sphere Azzedine Ounahi with a deft touch under pressure from pursuing defenders, swivelled sharply to create space in the crowded penalty area, and unleashed a low driven shot from 12 yards that arrowed past Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the maroon-clad supporters who had endured a tense night of near-misses and heroic saves from both sides throughout the 90-plus minutes of intense, end-to-end football that showcased the fierce rivalry and unyielding passion inherent in every Edinburgh derby encounter.
Consequently, this hard-fought triumph not only extended Hearts’ unbeaten league run but also inflicted a crucial blow on Hibernian’s mid-table aspirations, as David Gray’s men squandered several promising opportunities on the break, including a glaring chance from Elie Youan that he blazed over from six yards after a clever one-two with Martin Boyle, thereby highlighting the fine margins that often decide these storied fixtures where mental fortitude and clinical finishing separate the victors from the vanquished in front of a raucous crowd of over 19,000 that created an electric atmosphere from the first whistle to the final whistle.
Tactical Battles and Key Moments Defined the Flow
Both teams emerged with clear game plans that shaped a cagey first half where Hearts pressed high to disrupt Hibs’ buildup play while the visitors relied on quick transitions led by the pacey Boyle and the creative spark of Scott Newell, but neither side truly gained ascendancy until the second period when Naismith introduced fresh legs like Magnusson and Rogers Mato to exploit tiring legs in the Hibs midfield, leading to increased pressure that culminated in the Icelandic midfielder’s moment of magic after Hibs defender Paul Hanlon’s misplaced pass gifted possession back to the hosts in a pivotal turnover around the 85th minute mark, moreover, referee Nick Walsh
Managed a fractious affair commendably by issuing only three yellow cards despite several robust challenges and heated exchanges, particularly Kilmarnock vs Celtic around a controversial 62nd-minute incident involving Hearts’ Landry Kabore and Hibs’ Kai Andrews that sparked a brief melee but ultimately resulted in no further sanctions, thus allowing the focus to remain on the football as both goalkeepers, Zander Clark for Hearts and Marshall for Hibs, produced standout saves, with Clark denying Boyle’s curling effort from 20 yards and Marshall tipping Claudio Braga’s acrobatic bicycle kick onto the bar in what emerged as one of the contest’s defining exchanges.
Team News and Lineups
Hearts Fielded a Potent Attacking Setup
Steven Naismith opted for a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation that maximized the width provided by wingers Braga and Kabore while shielding the backline with midfield anchors like Kent and Beni Baningime, who dictated tempo superbly; the starting XI featured Craig Gordon in goal no longer but instead the reliable Clark between the sticks, flanked by full-backs Nathaniel Atkinson and McCart, a central defensive partnership of Kent and Jamie McCart that repelled Hibs’ counters relentlessly, and up front.
Lawrence Shankland spearheaded the attack supported by the flair of Magnusson after his introduction, alongside Mato who replaced an exhausted Braga late on, furthermore, bench options like Blair Spittal and James Wilson offered Naismith flexibility that proved decisive, Sheffield Wednesday as evidenced by Magnusson’s 88th-minute intervention following his 87th-minute entry that shifted momentum decisively toward the hosts who had dominated statistics with 58% possession, 14 shots to Hibs’ 8, and 6 corners compared to the visitors’ 3, underscoring their superiority in all key metrics despite the slender scoreline.
Hibernian Relied on Counter-Attacking Threat
David Gray countered with a pragmatic 3-5-2 shape designed to absorb pressure and hit Hearts on the break, deploying Marshall in goal behind a back three of Hanlon, Rocky Bushiri, and Lewis Miller who marshaled their duties admirably under sustained assault, with wing-backs Nicky Cadden and Rory Coyle providing outlets that troubled Hearts early, centrally, Joe Newell and Allan Campbell anchored midfield duties effectively until fatigue set in, freeing Boyle and Youan to exploit spaces behind the hosts’ high line, yet despite these intentions, Hibs faltered through individual errors like Obita’s earlier absence leading to.
Cadden’s inclusion that exposed vulnerabilities on the left flank where Braga repeatedly targeted, additionally, substitutes Andrews and Dylan Vente aimed to inject energy but couldn’t alter the outcome, as Hibs managed just 42% possession, 4 shots on target from 8 attempts, and struggled with conversion rates below 10%, reflecting broader struggles in front of goal that have plagued Gray’s side this campaign amid their push for European qualification spots.
Player Performances
Standout Stars Lit Up the Derby
Tomas Magnusson emerged as the undisputed man of the match with his composure under pressure and match-winning strike that capped a lively substitute appearance, earning a perfect 9.2 rating from analysts for his 22nd-minute involvement no, wait his late impact including one key pass, 100% duel success in limited minutes, and that clinical finish from a tight angle, meanwhile Frankie Kent anchored the defense masterfully with 5 clearances, 3 interceptions, and a pivotal assist for the winner, clocking an 8.5 rating that justified his captain’s armband, additionally Zander Clark commanded his box assertively with 3 saves including a world-class stop on Boyle, while Claudio Braga terrorized the Hibs left with 4 dribbles completed, 2 chances created, and that audacious overhead kick that nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half, for Hibs.
Martin Boyle posed the biggest threat with his explosive pace leading to 3 shots and 2 big chances missed, rated at 7.8, supported by Paul Hanlon’s 7 clearances and Joe Newell’s tireless 68% pass accuracy in midfield battles, yet ultimately, these efforts couldn’t overcome the collective resolve of the Hearts unit that outfought and outthought their opponents across the park.
Historical Context
Edinburgh Derby Boasts Rich Legacy
The Hearts vs Hibernian rivalry traces back to 1875, evolving into one of Scotland’s fiercest encounters played over 400 times with Hearts holding a slight edge in overall victories around 150 to Hibs’ 130 plus numerous draws that often produce tense stalemates, notably Hearts clinched the last three derbies prior to this one including a 1-0 October 2025 win at Tynecastle driven by Shankland’s header and a pulsating 3-2 Hibs home victory on December 27, 2025
Where the visitors mounted a comeback through Boyle’s brace, however, this February 2026 installment reaffirmed Hearts’ recent derby dominance under Naismith who boasts an unbeaten record in the fixture since 2024, moreover, Tynecastle has proven a The Lens vs PSG Rivalry fortress with Hearts winning 70% of home derbies over the past decade, fueled by fan passion that creates intimidating decibels exceeding 110dB, thus embedding this clash deeply in Scottish football folklore alongside Old Firm intensity but distinguished by its blue-collar grit and unpredictable twists.
Current Form and League Standings
Hearts Charge Toward Glory
Hearts entered the derby on a 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, topping the Premiership with commanding statistics including 22 points from 8 early games expanding to six clear by February after this win, boasting a +21 goal difference from prolific scoring led by Shankland’s double digits, furthermore Naismith’s men dismantled Rangers 2-0 midweek prior and eye a title tilt unprecedented since 1959-60, with upcoming fixtures against Celtic and Aberdeen testing their mettle as they chase a first championship in decades amid squad harmony and smart recruitment.
Hibernian Grapple Mid-Table
Hibs sit seventh with inconsistent results including that spirited December derby win but recent losses to Dundee United and now Hearts exposing defensive frailties conceding from set-pieces repeatedly, nevertheless Gray targets Europa Conference League playoffs through cup runs and grinding league results, relying on Boyle’s goals and youth integration like Andrews to spark revival before the split.
Manager Insights
Naismith Praises Resilience
Steven Naismith hailed his team’s mentality post-match, emphasizing how they grinded out victory despite a scrappy first half, declaring “we showed champions’ quality by staying patient and punishing errors,” while spotlighting Magnusson’s growth from bench role to hero.
Gray Laments Defensive Lapses
David Gray rued three critical errors gifting Hearts Everton Transfer News chances, admitting “we failed fundamentals for 90 minutes, unacceptable in derbies,” vowing swift corrections ahead of survival scrap.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
Tynecastle Erupted in Joy
Over 19,000 Hearts fans generated deafening noise, chanting “Magnusson” post-goal while Hibs’ 2,000 away contingent applauded effort despite defeat, social media buzzed with memes of Marshall’s despair and Shankland’s near-misses.
FAQs
1. What was the final score in the Hearts vs Hibernian match on February 10, 2026?
Hearts secured a 1-0 victory over Hibernian in their Scottish Premiership Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle Park, where substitute Tomas Magnusson delivered the decisive 88th-minute goal following a well-worked counter-attack initiated by captain Frankie Kent’s precise diagonal pass that bypassed the Hibs midfield press, allowing the Icelandic midfielder to sprint 40 yards, hold off a desperate Jordan Obita challenge, take a composed touch to evade Rocky Bushiri, and rifle a low right-footed shot across David Marshall into the far bottom corner, thereby extending Hearts’ lead at the summit to six points over Rangers who possess a game in hand, while inflicting a painful setback on Hibernian’s push for top-six contention amid a season of fluctuating fortunes under manager David Gray.
2. Who scored the winning goal for Hearts against Hibs?
Tomas Magnusson, the 24-year-old Icelandic international who joined Hearts from Icelandic side Víkingur Reykjavík in summer 2025, emerged as the hero by netting the 88th-minute winner with a clinical finish that capped his impactful 10-minute cameo, Karen Carney Wife bursting forward after receiving Frankie Kent’s lofted pass over the top of the Hibs defense, outmuscling Paul Hanlon in a physical duel, creating half a yard of space inside the penalty area under pressure from Lewis Miller, and drilling a precise low drive from 12 yards that beat Marshall’s despairing dive at full stretch, thus igniting pandemonium among the Tynecastle faithful and earning Magnusson widespread plaudits including man-of-the-match honors from FotMob with a 9.2 rating reflective of his 100% duel success rate, one key pass, and zero touches lost in the opposition box during his brief but decisive appearance.
3. Where and when did Hearts play Hibernian in February 2026?
The clash unfolded at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, kicking off at 20:00 UTC under the floodlights before a near-capacity crowd of 19,456 that basked in the intense atmosphere of Scotland’s premier city derby, with Hearts leveraging home advantage in this Premiership fixture as part of a congested winter schedule that tested squad depth amid injury concerns, referee Nick Walsh oversaw proceedings flawlessly issuing just three cautions in a match characterized by high intensity but fair play, while live coverage streamed across platforms like Sky Sports, BBC Scotland, and FotMob providing global fans real-time updates on lineups, stats, and highlights that captured every tense moment from Landry Kabore’s early curler flashing wide to Magnusson’s late denouement.
4. How does this win impact Hearts’ Premiership title chances?
This gritty 1-0 derby success propels Hearts six points clear atop the Scottish Premiership table with 12 games remaining, surpassing Rangers who hold a game in hand and Celtic trailing by nine with two in hand, underlining Steven Naismith’s tactical acumen in navigating a campaign where his side boasts the league’s best defensive record conceding just 12 goals from 22 matches alongside prolific attacking output led by Lawrence Shankland’s 18 strikes, moreover, their unbeaten run now stretches to 13 league games incorporating dominant victories over Jasmine Martin Aberdeen and Motherwell that signal genuine title credentials unseen since the Jim Jefferies era, positioning Hearts as frontrunners for silverware and potential Champions League qualification pending league position.
5. What did Hearts manager Steven Naismith say after the Hibernian win?
Steven Naismith praised his team’s champions’ mentality in grinding out victory despite a lackluster first half, stating to Premier Sports that “these matches demand perseverance, we delivered perfectly turning pressure into points,” while highlighting Tomas Magnusson’s decisive impact and Frankie Kent’s leadership in navigating a fractious derby, furthermore Naismith emphasized ongoing development with “many games left, we focus on progression toward our goals,” reflecting confidence in a squad blending youth like Magnusson with veterans such as Zander Clark who produced crucial interventions, thus reinforcing Naismith’s reputation as an astute tactician elevating Hearts from mid-table also-rans to title protagonists.
6. What were the key stats from Hearts vs Hibernian February 2026?
Hearts bossed statistics with 58% possession, 14 total shots including 5 on target against Hibs’ 8 and 4, 6 corners to 3, and 12 fouls committed versus 10, while defensively they restricted Hibs to 0.8 xG from Boyle’s efforts compared to their own 1.7 xG peaking with Braga’s bicycle kick, Magnusson’s winner elevated their conversion rate to 7% on the night but overall league-leading 15%, additionally Hearts completed 84% of 450 passes dwarfing Hibs’ 76% from 320, underscoring comprehensive superiority that translated into three points despite the scoreline’s modesty reflective of derby tension.
7. Who were the standout performers in the Hearts vs Hibs derby?
Tomas Magnusson claimed man-of-the-match laurels with his 88th-minute stunner rated 9.2/10 for composure and impact, Frankie Kent excelled at 8.5 anchoring defense with 5 clearances, 3 tackles, and the assist, Zander Clark shone with 3 saves including a Boyle masterclass at 8.3, Claudio Braga dazzled at 8.0 with 4 dribbles and chances created, for Hibs Martin Boyle threatened at 7.8 via pace and shots, Paul Hanlon battled at 7.5 with clearances, Joe Newell toiled midfield at 7.2 despite fatigue, yet Hearts’ collective ratings averaged 7.4 eclipsing Hibs’ 6.8 per FotMob metrics.
8. What is the recent head-to-head record between Hearts and Hibernian?
Hearts dominate recent derbies winning the last three prior including 1-0 October 2025 at home via Shankland header, 3-2 away December 2025 after Hibs led 2-0 before Jambos comeback spearheaded by double from Cabraja no Braga influences, and this 1-0 February 2026 sealing four straight victories overturning prior Hibs edges, overall H2H sees Hearts ahead 152-131 with 104 draws from 387 meetings since 1875, Tynecastle favors hosts with 70% win rate last decade fueling psychological edge.
9. How did Hibernian manager David Gray react to the loss?
David Gray lambasted his team’s defensive lapses to Premier Sports, declaring “we didn’t execute fundamentals over 90 minutes, three errors killed us making it tough to swallow,” pinpointing turnovers gifting Hearts transitions, vowing “we address this swiftly as derbies demand perfection,” while acknowledging Hearts’ resilience but stressing Hibs’ top-six ambitions necessitate rebound against Dundee.
10. What are the next fixtures for Hearts and Hibernian?
Hearts welcome Livingston on Saturday February 15 aiming to extend supremacy before Rangers’ midweek Motherwell clash, then Celtic looms testing title credentials, Hibernian travel Dundee United seeking remedy post-derby blow with Europa hopes via playoffs, both balance league with cups where Hearts eye semis, Hibs quarters progression shaping season narratives.
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