YELLOW CARDpublished at 19 mins
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Frankie Kent is booked after the Hearts defender leaves Kusini Yengi in a heap.
Willie Miller doesn't agree on Sportsound.
Summary
FT: Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen
Shinnie diverts Milne cross into his own net early on
Shankland rockets second high into the net only for VAR to rule out for offside
Findlay nods at back post to tighten Hearts' grip on game
YELLOW CARDpublished at 19 mins
Postpublished at 20:18 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland at TynecastleI didn’t think Tynecastle could have got any louder than the opening few minutes…but it certainly did when Graeme Shinnie put through his own goal!
Postpublished at 20:17 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Craig Levein
Former Hearts manager on BBC SportsoundClaudio Braga is playing with a gritty attitude and he's really competitive.
He wants to take defenders on.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 20:16 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
And now Aberdeen are denied by the frame of the goal.
Nicolas Milanovic gets in behind and Kusini Yengi diverts the cross onto the post.
What a game!
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 20:15 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Oooftt.
Almost 2-0 Hearts.
The ball breaks into Harry Milne's path and he unleashes a rocket of a left-footed strike that cannons off the far post.
Postpublished at 20:14 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Claudio Braga has developed into something of a cult hero already at Tynecastle and his involvement in that goal will only help.
The Portuguese forward already has a very catchy chant too.
GOAL HEARTS 1-0 Aberdeenpublished at 20:11 British Summer Time 4 August
Graeme Shinnie own goal
Hearts hit the front.
It all comes from brilliant play from Claudio Braga, who twists Mats Knoester inside out before picking out Oisin McEntee.
His header is well saved by Dimitar Mitov, but Aberdeen can't clear, Hearts recycle and Harry Milne's cross is turned into his own net by Graeme Shinnie.
Image source, BBC SportPostpublished at 9 mins
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Boos around Tynecastle as Nick Walsh blows for a Hearts free-kick.
Had he played advantage, Cammy Devlin had just played Lawrence Shankland into space.
Postpublished at 6 mins
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Credit to Aberdeen, they don't look fazed by Hearts' intensity.
They get in behind down the left-hand side, but the cross is overhit.
Moments later Adil Aouchiche scuffs a shot wide.
Postpublished at 20:05 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen and Scotland defender on BBC Radio ScotlandHearts want to make it as difficult as possible as early as possible for Aberdeen.
Postpublished at 2 mins
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Tynecastle is bang up for this.
Hearts press high up the park and the home fans respond with a guttural roar.
Postpublished at 20:01 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Craig Levein
Former Hearts manager on BBC SportsoundIt would need an almost perfect season on Hearts' part to make the top two and one of the Old Firm to underperform.
Even though Tony Bloom is putting money into Hearts, I still think the Old Firm will be quite a way ahead on the financial front.
But if anyone's going to do it, Hearts under Derek McInnes have a chance.
KICK-OFFpublished at 20:00 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen
Referee Nick Walsh peeps his whistle and we are off in windy Edinburgh...
'We want to be something' - McInnespublished at 19:59 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
Hearts manager Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "We're itching to get going and we want to get off to a winning start.
"We're going into the game in a decent form, we've navigated the League Cup games as well.
"We've got a some injuries and a couple of suspensions we could do without so we're not without issues but it's a strong team on the pitch and a good bench to choose from.
"We want to be something this season, we've got a lot of new players coming in but everyone is making a real effort to embrace each other and be there for each other and hopefully that plays out on the pitch."
Image source, SNS'We want to grow season on season' - Thelinpublished at 19:52 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "It's been a great summer, we are prepared and we are ready.
"The players want to go an play and compete. We have areas we want to improve and focus on.
"The wind is here but we can't do anything about it. We have to focus on our game.
"Adil Aouchiche is really good in tight areas and Kusini Yengi is a strong forward who can run in behind and do the hold-up play.
"We haven't changed. We want to grow season on season over three years. It's important to be in Europe every year and do better and better."
Image source, SNSPostpublished at 19:49 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
Let's hear from the two men in the dugouts, shall we?
Postpublished at 19:45 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland at TynecastleThe long wait for fans of both Hearts and Aberdeen is just about over in terms of getting their Premiership campaign underway.
The home side may be under a bit more pressure given the comments from new investor Tony Bloom.
With four new recruits in the staring XI we will have an indication of what to expect this campaign.
Aberdeen are still basking in the glory of their cup success at Hampden back in May but the expectation from those that have travelled down from the north-east to support their team will be to head back with a win.
Let battle commence!
Weather watchpublished at 19:42 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
There were some question marks over whether tonight's game would go ahead because of the amber weather warning in place across most of Scotland.
The wind has been howling all day, but the match goes ahead.
Aberdeen going to Romania or Kosovopublished at 19:38 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
It was a stunning end to a rollercoaster season for Aberdeen, who beat Celtic at Hampden to claim the Scottish Cup.
That success also means a shot at Europe and they discovered their opponents in qualifying earlier today.
Jimmy Thelin's side have been drawn against FCSB of Bucharest or Kosovan side Drita in the Europa League play-off round.
The first leg will be played at Pittodrie on 21 August, with the return match a week later.
The losers of that tie drop into the Conference League league phase.
'Love the ambition, but it's going to be difficult'published at 19:33 British Summer Time 4 August
Hearts v Aberdeen (20:00 BST)
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen and Scotland defender on BBC Radio ScotlandCeltic have a chest of gold waiting to spend and Rangers seem to manage to find funds to bring players in as well.
The ambition is great, I love the ambition of knocking the top teams and giving them a black eye, but it's going to be really difficult for Hearts to do it.
The title is still a little bit away but Tony Bloom is there speaking really positively so let's see how it goes.
Highlights: Hearts beat Aberdeen in league opener
Hearts started their Scottish Premiership campaign with a comfortable win over a wasteful Aberdeen side at Tynecastle.
Derek McInnes' side started fast, putting the Scottish Cup holders under early pressure before Harry Milne's low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by visiting captain Graeme Shinnie.
Summer signing Stuart Findlay was alert at the far post to bundle in their second late in the second half, getting on the end of another Milne delivery.
Hearts had breezed through the Premier Sports Cup group stage with a 100% record, and many fans are anticipating a season to remember after minority owner Tony Bloom said they have a "very good chance" of finishing second this season.
An early flurry of chances for the hosts was backed by a raucous Tynecastle, who were soon celebrating when Milne's driven cross was turned over the line by Shinnie on his 34th birthday.
Moments later, Milne almost doubled the lead in spectacular fashion when his rasping left-footed strike from distance cracked off the post. Aberdeen's Kusini Yengi also hit the woodwork as his side flew up the other end of the pitch.
The breathless and frenetic nature of the opening 30 minutes subsided as the interval approached, but the hosts thought they'd doubled their lead through a magnificent Lawrence Shankland strike.
The Scotland international's curling strike from outside of the area fizzed past a stranded Dimitar Mitov, but it was ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for an offside in the build-up.
Yengi spurned a rare Aberdeen chance in the second half, while Adil Aouchiche failed to connect with another, with both misses being punished by Finlday's back-post header at the other end.
What was the main talking point?
Hearts fans, neutral punters, and pundits were all intrigued by Bloom's comments that second place was a realistic goal this season.
A spotless League Cup record, Bloom's claims, and a general feel-good factor gave the players on the park an almighty task to live up to, but they did admirably.
Aberdeen's competitive season did only begin this evening - a factor that shouldn't go unmentioned in any suggestion they were lacklustre.
Tynecastle was rocking from the first whistle and many, if not all, fans will now believe this will be the year they make a move into the upper echelons of Scottish football.
Which player stood out?
All you may have heard lately has been about Claudio Braga.
Hearts fans watched videos of him for hours and hours after his signing was confirmed, and this was confirmation of what they'd seen.
Fans will hope the Portuguese forward's signing from Aalesunds can signal the new type of additions the club will now be able to make, thanks to Bloom's analytical access.
Milne deserves a mention too. His first cross was dangerous and resulted in the opening own goal, with his late free-kick dropping into the perfect spot to trouble the Dons backline and allow Findlay to nod in.
Had his first-half effort crept inside the woodwork, he'd already have a claim for goal of the season too.
The standout stats
Despite losing 2-0, Aberdeen generated 1.55 expected goals, with forwards Aouchiche and Yengi combining for 1.36xG.
35 of Cammy Devlin's 39 passes were accurate, giving him an impressive completion rate of 89.7%.
Aberdeen winger Nicolas Milanovic won the most duels in the game, winning 11 of his 21.
Hearts played 122 passes into the final third, dwarfing Aberdeen's total of 70.
What did they say?
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "We got the outcome we wanted.
"Every manager wants to get the first win as soon as possible and I thought we were thoroughly deserving.
"We came out the traps strongly and were probably worthy of probably going into half-time a couple of goals ahead.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "In the first half we were disappointed with our performance because they won the battle with second balls.
"We had to do better. In the second half there were less mistakes and we created chances, but 50-50 duels we have to do better in the future.
"We knew what we were going to face today. It's going to be a different type of game against Celtic."
What's next for these teams?
Hearts visit Dundee United on Sunday, 10 August (15:00 BST), while Aberdeen host Celtic on the same day at 12:30.
Related topics
Scottish Premiership Scores & Fixtures
Scottish Premiership Table
On Monday 4th August
Skip to table keyMatch Participants:
- Hearts, Position 1, Points 3
- Aberdeen, Position 12, Points 0
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 : Championship Round
- Position 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 : Relegation Round
Team Lineups
home team, Hearts
Manager: Derek McInnes
Formation: 3 - 5 - 2
Pitch Formation
28, Clark, Goalkeeper
2, Kent, Defender
4, Halkett, Defender
19, Findlay, Defender
12, Borchgrevink, Midfielder
31, McEntee, Midfielder
14, Devlin, Midfielder
16, Spittal, Midfielder
18, Milne, Midfielder
9, Shankland, Striker
10, Cláudio Braga, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 28, Z. Clark
- Number 19, S. Findlay
- Number 4, C. Halkett , Yellow Card at 54 minutes
- Number 2, F. Kent , Yellow Card at 19 minutes, substituted for M. Steinwender at 70 minutes
- Number 18, H. Milne
- Number 16, B. Spittal , substituted for A. Kyziridis at 70 minutes
- Number 14, C. Devlin , Yellow Card at 61 minutes
- Number 31, O. McEntee
- Number 12, C. Borchgrevink , substituted for A. Forrest at 70 minutes
- Number 10, Cláudio Braga , substituted for J. Wilson at 71 minutes
- Number 9, L. Shankland , Captain, substituted for T. Magnússon at 91 minutes
Substitutes
home team, Hearts
- Number 17, A. Forrest
- Number 30, R. Fulton
- Number 7, E. Kabangu
- Number 27, S. Kartum
- Number 3, S. Kingsley
- Number 89, A. Kyziridis
- Number 22, T. Magnússon
- Number 15, M. Steinwender
- Number 21, J. Wilson
away team, Aberdeen
Manager: Jimmy Thelin
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Mitov, Goalkeeper
28, Jensen, Defender
22, Milne, Defender
5, Knoester, Defender
4, Shinnie, Defender
10, Clarkson, Defensive Midfielder
6, Heltne Nilsen, Defensive Midfielder
11, Milanovic, Attacking Midfielder
7, Aouchiche, Attacking Midfielder
81, Keskinen, Attacking Midfielder
9, Yengi, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, D. Mitov
- Number 4, G. Shinnie , Captain, substituted for N. Devlin at 81 minutes
- Number 5, M. Knoester
- Number 22, J. Milne
- Number 28, A. Jensen
- Number 6, S. Heltne Nilsen , substituted for S. Morris at 69 minutes
- Number 10, L. Clarkson
- Number 81, T. Keskinen , substituted for D. Polvara at 62 minutes
- Number 7, A. Aouchiche , Yellow Card at 60 minutes
- Number 11, N. Milanović , Yellow Card at 78 minutes, substituted for E. Sokler at 80 minutes
- Number 9, K. Yengi , substituted for F. Boyd at 62 minutes
away team, Aberdeen
- Number 17, F. Boyd
- Number 2, N. Devlin
- Number 26, A. Dorrington
- Number 29, K. Kjartansson
- Number 20, S. Morris
- Number 18, A. Palaversa
- Number 8, D. Polvara
- Number 19, E. Sokler
- Number 13, N. Suman
home team, Hearts
Manager: Derek McInnes
Formation: 3 - 5 - 2
Pitch Formation
28, Clark, Goalkeeper
2, Kent, Defender
4, Halkett, Defender
19, Findlay, Defender
12, Borchgrevink, Midfielder
31, McEntee, Midfielder
14, Devlin, Midfielder
16, Spittal, Midfielder
18, Milne, Midfielder
9, Shankland, Striker
10, Cláudio Braga, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 28, Z. Clark
- Number 19, S. Findlay
- Number 4, C. Halkett , Yellow Card at 54 minutes
- Number 2, F. Kent , Yellow Card at 19 minutes, substituted for M. Steinwender at 70 minutes
- Number 18, H. Milne
- Number 16, B. Spittal , substituted for A. Kyziridis at 70 minutes
- Number 14, C. Devlin , Yellow Card at 61 minutes
- Number 31, O. McEntee
- Number 12, C. Borchgrevink , substituted for A. Forrest at 70 minutes
- Number 10, Cláudio Braga , substituted for J. Wilson at 71 minutes
- Number 9, L. Shankland , Captain, substituted for T. Magnússon at 91 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 17, A. Forrest
- Number 30, R. Fulton
- Number 7, E. Kabangu
- Number 27, S. Kartum
- Number 3, S. Kingsley
- Number 89, A. Kyziridis
- Number 22, T. Magnússon
- Number 15, M. Steinwender
- Number 21, J. Wilson
away team, Aberdeen
Manager: Jimmy Thelin
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Mitov, Goalkeeper
28, Jensen, Defender
22, Milne, Defender
5, Knoester, Defender
4, Shinnie, Defender
10, Clarkson, Defensive Midfielder
6, Heltne Nilsen, Defensive Midfielder
11, Milanovic, Attacking Midfielder
7, Aouchiche, Attacking Midfielder
81, Keskinen, Attacking Midfielder
9, Yengi, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, D. Mitov
- Number 4, G. Shinnie , Captain, substituted for N. Devlin at 81 minutes
- Number 5, M. Knoester
- Number 22, J. Milne
- Number 28, A. Jensen
- Number 6, S. Heltne Nilsen , substituted for S. Morris at 69 minutes
- Number 10, L. Clarkson
- Number 81, T. Keskinen , substituted for D. Polvara at 62 minutes
- Number 7, A. Aouchiche , Yellow Card at 60 minutes
- Number 11, N. Milanović , Yellow Card at 78 minutes, substituted for E. Sokler at 80 minutes
- Number 9, K. Yengi , substituted for F. Boyd at 62 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 17, F. Boyd
- Number 2, N. Devlin
- Number 26, A. Dorrington
- Number 29, K. Kjartansson
- Number 20, S. Morris
- Number 18, A. Palaversa
- Number 8, D. Polvara
- Number 19, E. Sokler
- Number 13, N. Suman
- Referee:
- Nick Walsh
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Kevin Clancy
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Daniel McFarlane
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Frank Connor
- Fourth Official:
- Chris Graham
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Gary Hilland
Match Officials
Match Stats
Key, Hearts v AberdeenOverall possession
Shots
Hearts 13Aberdeen 11Shots on target
Hearts 3Aberdeen 1Total touches inside the opposition box
Hearts 26Aberdeen 18Goalkeeper saves
Hearts 1Aberdeen 2Fouls committed
Hearts 19Aberdeen 18Corners
Hearts 3Aberdeen 3In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Hearts 13Aberdeen 11Shots on target
Hearts 3Aberdeen 1Shots off target
Hearts 7Aberdeen 5Attempts out of box
Hearts 3Aberdeen 3Hit woodwork
Hearts 1Aberdeen 1Total offsides
Hearts 3Aberdeen 0Distribution
Total passes
Hearts 373Aberdeen 404Pass accuracy %
Hearts 72.7Aberdeen 74.8Backward passes
Hearts 58Aberdeen 50Forward passes
Hearts 144Aberdeen 168Total long balls
Hearts 68Aberdeen 59Successful final third passes
Hearts 66Aberdeen 44Total crosses
Hearts 21Aberdeen 13Defence
Total tackles
Hearts 22Aberdeen 17Won tackle %
Hearts 68.2Aberdeen 58.8Fouls committed
Hearts 19Aberdeen 18Total yellow cards
Hearts 3Aberdeen 2Total clearances
Hearts 22Aberdeen 37Season so far
Scottish Premiership
Key, Hearts v Aberdeen
League position, Hearts 2nd, Aberdeen 12thTotal points, Hearts 7, Aberdeen 0
Form guide
All competitions
Hearts won
v Sunderland
3
0
Club Friendlies
Aberdeen lose
v Ipswich Town
1
3
Club Friendlies
Hearts won
v Dumbarton
4
0
League Cup
Aberdeen won
v Cove Rangers
0
2
Club Friendlies
Hearts won
v Stirling Albion
0
4
League Cup
Aberdeen draw
v Celtic
1
1
Scottish Cup
Hearts won
v Hamilton Academical
0
4
League Cup
Aberdeen lose
v Dundee United
2
1
Premiership
Hearts won
v Dunfermline Athletic
4
1
League Cup
Aberdeen lose
v Celtic
1
5
Premiership
Previous meetings
All competitions
Hearts and AberdeenHearts Won 47Aberdeen Won 35Draw 27
Played
109
Previous scores
All competitions
Scottish Cup
Hearts 1 , Aberdeen 2 on the 19th of April 2025
Hearts
Aberdeen
19th of April 2025
Premiership
Aberdeen 0 , Hearts 0 on the 12th of January 2025
Aberdeen
Hearts
12th of January 2025
Hearts 1 , Aberdeen 1 on the 1st of December 2024
Hearts
Aberdeen
1st of December 2024
- Skip back to previous scores
- Skip back to previous meetings
- Skip back to form guide
- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
The side playing at home has lost none of the last 23 Scottish Premiership matches between Heart of Midlothian and Aberdeen (W17 D6) since the Dons’ 2-1 win at Tynecastle in May 2017.
This will be the third time in the 21st century that Hearts and Aberdeen have faced on MD1 of a league season, after 2003-04 (Hearts won 2-0) and 2019-20 (Aberdeen won 3-2).
Hearts have won on MD1 in three of their four Scottish Premiership seasons since they were promoted in 2021 (D1), although their last opening day defeat in the competition was to Aberdeen in 2019-20 (2-3).
Aberdeen have only lost one MD1 in two of their last 10 league campaigns (W5 D3), defeats to Rangers in 2020-21 (0-1) and Celtic in 2022-23 (0-2).
This will be Derek McInnes’ first league game in charge of Hearts, making them the fourth club he has managed in the Scottish top-flight (also St. Johnstone, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock). He will be only the second manager to take charge of four separate clubs in Scotland’s top tier in the 21st century, after John Hughes (Falkirk, Hibernian, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Ross County).