Kevin NisbetSNS

At a glance

  • McEntee slots in for Hearts after slow Aberdeen defence

  • Mayo bundles in dramatic leveller in 90th minute with VAR clearing the goal after check

  • Nisbet nets winner from spot moments after Findlay is sent off for trip in box on Olusanya

Highlights: Aberdeen v Hearts

01/08/26

Watch on iPlayer
Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

Aberdeen salvaged a dramatic Scottish Premiership victory against last season's title contenders Hearts with two late goals at a raucous Pittodrie.

Oisin McEntee looked like being the unlikely hero for the Edinburgh side as he slotted home after 35 minutes amid shoddy defending from the home team.

However, the game was turned on its head in the 90th minute as Lewis Mayo bundled the ball into the net amid a packed penalty box.

And, just 33 seconds after a video assistant referee check cleared that goal, Hearts defender Stuart Finlay tripped a marauding Toyosi Olusanya as he charged into the box.

Findlay saw red and Kevin Nisbet sealed victory with his spot-kick flying high into the net.

Clear chances were at a premium in the north east and it took until the 70th minute before the hosts registered their first shot on target via new signing Chris Cadden.

Even that was straight down the throat of Beau Reus on a day Stephen Robinson's side toiled for creativity.

However, a late, late show was to provide the most jaw-dropping of endings.

Incredible twist masks lack of cutting edge for both sides

The two sides met in the first game of last year, filled with optimism of bright seasons ahead after heavy investment.

On that night in Edinburgh, Hearts won out before cementing their season-long tilt at the title, while Aberdeen struggled.

Different city and somehow a different result this time.

This is Robinson's first full season at Pittodrie, as he looks to build on the base set after taking over from interim boss Peter Leven.

And while Hearts' clear-cut chances were kept minimal at Pittodrie, there was an ineffectiveness about the hosts for most of the game.

That was until a late bombardment led to Dan Happe heading Stuart Armstrong's free-kick towards goal, and Mayo did the rest.

It sparked chaos and Aberdeen pounced on Hearts' disarray to get the job done.

While the Opta super computer predicted Aberdeen had a 0.04% chance of winning the league season - the second lowest - last season's runners-up were only given 11.86%.

Wholesale changes at Tynecastle will be a contributing factor given the exits this summer and it was the Lawrence Shankland-shaped void that was most notable.

Hearts were in control of this game, particularly for much of the second half but simply could not put it to bed.

That will be a major concern for Wouter Vrancken, whose side got thumped in Champions League qualifying and now face a trip to face Benfica.

The pain of last season's crescendo will have faded slightly but there will be concern at how this one was allowed to slip, and when, and where, that edge is going to be found.

What they said

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Sportsound: "If you're going to win a game, it's a good way to do it.

"I didn't think there was a lot between the two sides, which is a compliment to our boys because Hearts are a very good side.

"The final third, I thought we could've been better with our decision making and our final choices. As the game went on, I thought we improved. The subs made a real impact. I believe in what we've brought in."

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken tells BBC Sportsound: "Really disappointing because we give it away in five minutes.

"It was good in the defending part, until the last five minutes. We were not ruthless enough in boxes. We had to be smarter. We were going in attack with too many people there instead of keeping control and managing the counter, especially when you are 1-0 ahead.

"Second half, we did some good things and we controlled the game. It's a pity because we had to take three points here."

What's next?

Aberdeen go to Tayside to face Dundee next Saturday in the Scottish Premiership (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Meanwhile, Hearts have a monumental test awaiting them in Portugal. They take on Benfica (20:00) in Europa League qualifying.