Hearts Extend Premiership Lead to Seven Points with Narrow Victory Over Aberdeen
Hearts defeated Aberdeen 1-0 at Tynecastle on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points over Rangers. The match, watched by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a guest of Hearts boss Derek McInnes, saw Claudio Braga score the only goal just before the half-hour mark.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Hearts started strongly, with Tomas Magnusson heading wide early on from Blair Spittal's cross. Braga threatened multiple times, forcing saves from Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov before finally breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute. Marc Leonard set up Landry Kabore down the right, who cut back for Braga to slot home a low shot from six yards out.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including a missed lob by Kabore and a rasping effort from Spittal, Hearts had to settle for a one-goal advantage at halftime. Aberdeen had rare opportunities, with Toyosi Olusanya and Kevin Nisbet going close, but failed to equalize.
Second-Half Tension and Final Whistle
In the second half, Hearts continued to press, with Kabore seeing a ferocious shot saved and Braga denied by Mitov's legs. Aberdeen countered, but Nicky Devlin's effort was scrambled away. Hearts' inability to score a second goal led to a tense finale, but they held on for a crucial victory, moving closer to their first league title since 1960.
The win puts pressure on Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic, who face each other on Sunday. Hearts made two changes from their previous win over Falkirk, while Aberdeen interim boss Peter Leven made three alterations after a midweek draw.
