Dons Deliver Major Blow to Hearts' Premiership Charge
Aberdeen brought Heart of Midlothian's impressive unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership season to a shuddering halt on Sunday, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at a rain-swept Pittodrie. The result, decided by a single goal from Topi Keskinen, significantly dents the visitors' title aspirations and marks a continuation of the Dons' improved form.
The match was played on Sunday 23 November 2025, with the final whistle confirming a massive three points for the home side. The win was especially sweet for Aberdeen, who have now taken 10 points from their last 15 available, steadying their ship after a mixed start to the campaign.
Keskinen's Moment of Fortune Decides Frenetic Contest
The game's defining moment arrived just before the half-time interval. Dante Polvara provided the creative spark, lifting a clever ball over the Hearts defence for Topi Keskinen. The Finnish attacker benefitted from a significant ricochet but showed superb composure to curl a low, precise strike across goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow and into the far corner of the net.
The goal separated the two sides in a match played at a relentless, breakneck speed from the outset. A pre-match downpour contributed to the frantic nature of the contest, which raged from end-to-end throughout the first half.
Hearts, who were already under pressure after Celtic's win over St Mirren had cut their lead at the top to just four points, were hampered by significant absences. Key striker Lawrence Shankland was missing with a calf injury, while defender Craig Halkett was suspended. Aberdeen were also without a key man, with Jesper Karlsson absent due to personal reasons.
Hearts Rue Missed Chances as Aberdeen Defence Holds Firm
The league leaders created several promising opportunities, particularly from set-pieces, but were let down by poor finishing. Defender Stuart Findlay somehow hit wide from close range after a Cammy Devlin delivery, and Harry Milne later clipped the crossbar from a similar situation.
Aberdeen's defence, marshalled superbly by goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, stood firm under intense second-half pressure. Mitov was called into action multiple times, grasping a Frankie Kent header and making a crucial block at the feet of Pierre Landry Kabore.
Hearts' best chance for an equaliser fell to Claudio Braga with 15 minutes remaining. Kabore got in behind and squared the ball, but Mitov once again proved to be the hero, making a vital save before Jack Milne completed the clearance.
Despite the visitors throwing everything forward in the closing stages, the Aberdeen backline remained resolute to see out a famous victory that sends a strong message to the rest of the Scottish Premiership.
