Falkirk 0-2 Hearts: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

The game burst into life right away with Cláudio Braga’s goal for Hearts in the 2nd minute, giving them an early lead that Falkirk struggled to overturn. Tensions rose with yellow cards dished out to Filip Lissah for Falkirk in the 39th, and to Hearts’ Tómas Bent Magnússon in the 28th and Craig Halkett in the 41st, but neither side could add to the scoreline before half-time.

Falkirk’s triple substitution at 68’ aimed to inject energy, but it was Hearts who capitalised when Stephen Kingsley, fresh on for Harry Milne at 74’, scored their second in the 77th with an assist from Oisin McEntee. Late yellow for Falkirk’s Sam Hart in the 85th summed up their frustration, as further subs from both teams couldn’t shift the momentum.

Falkirk lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to balance defence and attack with players like Filip Lissah in the backline and Ethan Ross pushing forward before his substitution. Partnerships in midfield, including Henry Cartwright before he made way, aimed to control the tempo, while Calvin Miller added width until Scott Arfield replaced him late on.

Hearts set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with strong defensive roles from players like Craig Halkett and attacking threats led by Cláudio Braga, who scored early before Elton Kabangu took his place. Midfield partnerships involving Cammy Devlin, subbed off for Jamie McCart, supported forwards like Lawrence Shankland, who was replaced by Sabah Kerjota, helping maintain their structure throughout.

Cláudio Braga earned Coral’s Man of the Match honours for his standout performance, bagging the opening goal in the 2nd minute and delivering three key passes that kept Hearts on the front foot. While he didn’t notch any assists or create big chances, his early strike set the tone, and he stayed influential until being replaced by Elton Kabangu in the 81st minute.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Hearts (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Hibernian (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Motherwell (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Rangers (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Dundee United (A)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Falkirk (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Celtic (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Kilmarnock (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Motherwell (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Aberdeen (A)

Falkirk have just suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Hearts, extending their winless run to four games after draws with Motherwell and Rangers, and a loss to Hibernian. Sitting seventh on 21 points, they’ll be keen to bounce back against Kilmarnock on 20 December 2025 at 15:00, with the visitors currently 11th on 12 points – a win could help Falkirk push towards the top half and build some momentum.

Hearts have just secured a 2-0 away win over Falkirk, building on their impressive recent form with back-to-back victories including against Celtic, after draws with Kilmarnock and Motherwell. Top of the table on 38 points, they face a tough test against Rangers on 21 December 2025 at 13:30, with the opponents fourth on 26 points – three points here could solidify their lead at the summit.

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