Hibernian fought back to defeat Hearts 2-1 at Hampden, securing their first derby victory at the national stadium and booking a Scottish League Cup final against Rangers.
The result gave manager Marink Reedijk his first win in charge and ended Hibs’ six-match winless run, offering a moment of celebration for a side sitting bottom of the Premiership.
Hearts had won all four previous Hampden meetings between the Edinburgh rivals, and Claudio Braga’s fourth-minute opener suggested another might follow.
Left unmarked, the forward powered home a header to give his side an early advantage.
Hibs responded strongly. Felix Passlack was denied by Beau Reus, while Jamie McGrath wasted a clear opportunity before Martin Boyle deservedly brought them level.
Boyle, who repeatedly troubled Jordi Altena, slipped a clever finish beneath Reus.
A VAR check confirmed he was onside, allowing his sixth derby goal to stand.
Joe Newell then struck the crossbar as Hibs continued to press.
His influence proved decisive again when a powerful effort fell to McGrath, who finished to put Reedijk’s side ahead before the interval.
Hearts’ problems were compounded by further injuries.
Tomas Magnusson was forced off following a head knock, while Calvin Miller also departed and was later seen wearing a leg brace, taking Wouter Vrancken’s injury list into double figures.
Despite an improved second-half display from Hearts, Hibs defended resolutely to protect their lead and secure a return to Hampden on 13 December.
They will face Derek McInnes’ Rangers as they pursue their first trophy in more than a decade and their first League Cup since 2007.
Hearts’ wait to win the competition will now stretch to 65 years.
Injuries leave Hearts short
Hearts’ growing injury problems again shaped their afternoon, with the departures of Magnusson and Miller disrupting a side already missing several players.
Their replacements, Sabri Guendouz and Yan Dhanda, struggled to influence the first half as Hibs took control.
After the break, Guendouz improved and Josh McPake delivered several dangerous balls across goal, but Hearts lacked the finishing touch to turn their pressure into an equaliser.
For their supporters, defeat brought both another missed opportunity in the League Cup and the disappointment of losing a Hampden derby to their city rivals.
Hibs show steel when it matters
Hibs arrived short of confidence and without a win in six matches, but produced the determination needed to overturn their poor Hampden record against Hearts.
Newell was central to their success, driving the midfield performance that helped them recover from conceding early and establish a deserved lead.
Reedijk had come close to his first victory against St Mirren on Wednesday before a late equaliser denied him.
This time, his players held firm.
Although Hibs struggled to sustain their attacking threat after the interval, their disciplined defending limited the work required of goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger.
At the final whistle, league struggles briefly gave way to celebration as Hibs supporters savoured a long-awaited Hampden derby triumph and the prospect of a cup final.
