Hibernian 3-2 Hearts: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Hibernian 3-2 Hearts in the Premiership on Saturday, 27 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Hibernian beat Hearts 3-2 in a hard-fought Edinburgh derby. The hosts took an early lead when Jamie McGrath scored in the 3rd minute, and they doubled it just before the break with Josh Campbell’s goal in the 45th minute, building on their recent home win over Falkirk. Hearts, coming off a strong run including victories against Rangers and Celtic, struggled to convert their possession into chances in the first half.

Hibernian extended their advantage early in the second half through Kieron Bowie in the 48th minute, but Hearts fought back with Lawrence Shankland pulling one back in the 75th minute. The visitors made it tense late on with Cammy Devlin’s goal in the 89th minute, yet Hibernian held firm to secure the points. This result snaps Hearts’ recent winning streak and gives Hibernian a boost after their mixed form, including a draw at Dundee United and a loss to Rangers.

Hearts dominated possession with two-thirds of the ball, which allowed them to rack up more corners and successful dribbles, suggesting they controlled much of the territory and looked to break down Hibernian’s defence. However, Hibernian made the most of their counter-attacking opportunities, recording more assists overall, which highlights their efficiency in turning fewer chances into goals. Discipline was largely clean, with just one yellow card for Hibernian, while both sides used all five substitutions to try and shift momentum.

On the changes, Hibernian saw Nicky Cadden replaced by Josh Campbell at 30 minutes, Josh Mulligan make way for Joe Newell at 64 minutes, and a double switch at 84 minutes with Chris Cadden on for Kanayo Megwa and Thibault Klidjé replacing Martin Boyle. Hearts made halftime adjustments with Beni Baningime for Oisin McEntee and Harry Milne for Stephen Kingsley at 46 minutes, followed by Elton Kabangu for Cláudio Braga at 73 minutes, Sabah Kerjota for Stuart Findlay at 81 minutes, and James Wilson for Tómas Bent Magnússon at 88 minutes.

The game burst into life early when Jamie McGrath opened the scoring for Hibernian in the 3rd minute, assisted by Nicky Cadden, setting a tone of quick breaks. Nicky Cadden was later substituted off at 30 minutes for Josh Campbell, who made an immediate impact by scoring in the 45th minute with an assist from Jamie McGrath, before Kieron Bowie added a third in the 48th minute, assisted by Josh Mulligan. Josh Mulligan picked up a yellow card in the 56th minute, and Hibernian made further changes with Joe Newell replacing him at 64 minutes, plus Chris Cadden and Thibault Klidjé coming on for Kanayo Megwa and Martin Boyle at 84 minutes.

Hearts responded in the second half after halftime substitutions of Beni Baningime for Oisin McEntee and Harry Milne for Stephen Kingsley at 46 minutes, but it was Lawrence Shankland’s 75th-minute goal, assisted by Alexandros Kyziridis, that sparked their comeback following Elton Kabangu’s entry for Cláudio Braga at 73 minutes. Sabah Kerjota replaced Stuart Findlay at 81 minutes, and James Wilson came on for Tómas Bent Magnússon at 88 minutes, just before Cammy Devlin’s late strike in the 89th minute made it a nervy finish, though Hibernian saw it out.

Hibernian lined up in a 5-3-2 shape, focusing on a solid defensive block that allowed them to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, with partnerships like Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell proving effective in attack after Campbell came on for Nicky Cadden at 30 minutes. Kieron Bowie led the line well, while Josh Mulligan contributed before his yellow card and substitution for Joe Newell at 64 minutes. Late changes saw Chris Cadden replace Kanayo Megwa and Thibault Klidjé come on for Martin Boyle at 84 minutes to shore things up.

Hearts set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to dominate midfield and create through the flanks, with Lawrence Shankland as the focal point up front and Cammy Devlin providing energy that led to his late goal. They made halftime tweaks with Beni Baningime replacing Oisin McEntee and Harry Milne coming on for Stephen Kingsley at 46 minutes to add freshness. Further adjustments included Elton Kabangu for Cláudio Braga at 73 minutes, Sabah Kerjota for Stuart Findlay at 81 minutes, and James Wilson replacing Tómas Bent Magnússon at 88 minutes.

Jamie McGrath earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, netting one goal in the 3rd minute and providing an assist for Josh Campbell’s strike in the 45th minute. He also created one big chance and delivered two key passes, showing his influence in Hibernian’s attacking play throughout the match.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 3-2 vs Hearts (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Dundee United (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Rangers (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Falkirk (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Celtic (H)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 2-3 vs Hibernian (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Rangers (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Falkirk (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Celtic (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Kilmarnock (H)

Hibernian have just secured a 3-2 win over Hearts, a result that builds on their recent home form including a 3-0 victory against Falkirk, though they’ve had setbacks like the 1-2 loss to Celtic. Sitting fifth on 28 points, they face Aberdeen next on 30 December 2025 at 19:45, with the visitors in sixth on 24 points, making this a key clash to push for European spots and widen the gap over mid-table rivals.

Hearts have just suffered a 2-3 defeat to Hibernian, halting their impressive run that featured wins over Rangers, Falkirk and Celtic, plus a draw with Kilmarnock. Currently top of the table on 41 points, they host Livingston on 3 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opponents languishing in 12th on nine points, offering a chance to bounce back and maintain their lead at the summit.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.