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

Dive into Coral’s 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 thrilling Edinburgh derby. The home side got off to a flying start when Jamie McGrath scored in the 3rd minute, and they doubled their lead just before the break with Josh Campbell finding the net in the 45th. Coming out strong after half-time, Kieron Bowie made it 3-0 in the 48th minute, building on Hibernian’s recent form that included a solid win over Falkirk and a draw at Dundee United.

Hearts, who had been in good shape with wins against Rangers, Falkirk and Celtic, fought back late on with Lawrence Shankland pulling one back in the 75th minute. Cammy Devlin added another in the 89th to make it tense, but Hibernian held on for the win despite Hearts’ pressure. This result snaps Hearts’ winning streak and gives Hibernian a boost after their recent losses to Rangers and Celtic.

Hearts dominated the ball with far more possession, which let them rack up plenty of corners and successful dribbles, showing they were pushing forward and creating chances throughout. Hibernian, on the other hand, looked sharp on the counter, making the most of their assists to notch up three goals despite seeing less of the ball. Both sides used all five substitutions, with Hibernian bringing on Josh Campbell for Nicky Cadden at 30 minutes, Joe Newell for Josh Mulligan at 64, and then Chris Cadden for Kanayo Megwa plus Thibault Klidjé for Martin Boyle both at 84; Hearts made changes like Beni Baningime for Oisin McEntee and Harry Milne for Stephen Kingsley at 46, Elton Kabangu for Cláudio Braga at 73, Sabah Kerjota for Stuart Findlay at 81, and James Wilson for Tómas Bent Magnússon at 88.

The game stayed fairly clean with just one yellow card for Hibernian and none for Hearts, and no reds or penalties to swing things dramatically. Those extra assists for Hibernian highlight how they turned fewer opportunities into goals, while Hearts’ late push nearly paid off but couldn’t quite overcome the early deficit.

The match burst into life early when Jamie McGrath scored for Hibernian in the 3rd minute, assisted by Nicky Cadden, setting a fast pace. Josh Campbell, who had come on for Nicky Cadden at 30 minutes, then grabbed the second goal in the 45th with help from Jamie McGrath, before Kieron Bowie extended the lead to 3-0 in the 48th, assisted by Josh Mulligan. A yellow card for Josh Mulligan at 56 minutes added some tension, and later substitutions like Joe Newell replacing Josh Mulligan at 64 saw Hibernian manage their energy.

Hearts clawed back with Lawrence Shankland’s goal in the 75th, assisted by Alexandros Kyziridis, following their half-time changes like Beni Baningime for Oisin McEntee. The drama peaked when Cammy Devlin scored in the 89th to make it 3-2, but despite late subs such as Elton Kabangu for Cláudio Braga at 73 and others, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

Hibernian lined up in a 5-3-2 shape that gave them solid defensive cover while allowing quick breaks forward, with partnerships like Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell linking up well in attack. Kieron Bowie led the line effectively, and players such as Nicky Cadden provided early width before his substitution. Kanayo Megwa and Martin Boyle contributed on the flanks, with Josh Mulligan adding energy in midfield until his booking and later exit.

Hearts set out in a 4-2-3-1 formation that focused on building from the back and supporting Lawrence Shankland up top, with creative outlets like Alexandros Kyziridis helping to create chances. Cammy Devlin brought drive in midfield, while Oisin McEntee and Stephen Kingsley started in defence before their half-time substitutions. Cláudio Braga and Stuart Findlay were involved in the setup until replaced later on.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Jamie McGrath, who was everywhere for Hibernian with a goal in the 3rd minute and an assist for Josh Campbell’s strike just before half-time. He also created a big chance and made two key passes, showing real vision and composure under pressure. His all-round display helped Hibernian build that early lead and hold off Hearts’ comeback.

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 beaten Hearts 3-2 at home, a result that builds on their mixed recent form including a draw at Dundee United and a win over Falkirk, despite losses to Rangers and Celtic. Sitting fifth on 28 points, they’ll look to keep the momentum going against Aberdeen, who are sixth on 24 points, in their next match on 30 December 2025 at 19:45. This could be a chance to push for a higher spot and maybe chase European places.

Hearts have just lost 3-2 away to Hibernian, ending a strong run that featured wins over Rangers, Falkirk and Celtic, plus a draw with Kilmarnock. Currently top of the table on 41 points, they’ll aim to bounce back against bottom-side Livingston, who are 12th on just nine points, in their next fixture on 3 January 2026 at 15:00. A win here would help them maintain their lead and shake off this derby setback.

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