Hearts were on the verge of a first victory at Pittodrie in more than a decade, but a dramatic stoppage-time collapse handed Aberdeen an improbable 2-1 win. Kevin Nisbet converted a 95th-minute penalty after Lewis Mayo had equalised in the 90th minute, turning the match on its head.
Wouter Vrancken's side had appeared in control after Oisin McEntee's first-half goal, but they left empty-handed after Stuart Findlay was sent off for conceding the decisive spot-kick. Aberdeen, by contrast, celebrated a perfect finish to a game that had looked to be slipping away from Stephen Robinson's men.
Hearts' European hangover
Hearts arrived at Pittodrie still reeling from a Champions League hammering by Sturm Graz, and things do not get any easier with a Europa League trip to Benfica on Thursday night. Aberdeen, who had a 100% record in their Premier Sports Cup group, were not in European action this week, giving Stephen Robinson time to bed in a new-look squad of 12 signings and build confidence.
Defensive injuries force Hearts changes
Hearts had already conceded goals in Europe, and their defensive options were further depleted by injuries to Stephen Kingsley and Malachi Fagan-Walcott, with Craig Halkett also out long-term. That meant a start for Oisin McEntee alongside Stuart Findlay, with Jamie McCart on the bench and MJ Kamson-Kamara not even in the squad. Beau Reus was handed a debut in goal after Alexander Schwolow moved to Mainz 05, while Laurent Mendy also made his first Hearts outing in midfield.
Both managers made five changes from their previous starting XIs, with Wouter Vrancken and Stephen Robinson clearly expecting a different game from Hearts' last outing against Kelty. Chris Cadden, signed from Hibs on Friday, went straight into the side at right-back.
McEntee pounces to put Hearts ahead
Aberdeen began the brighter and should have capitalised when Aremu Afeez released Kevin Nisbet, only for McEntee to make a saving block. Toyosi Olusanya then missed the opportunity to create a clear chance when he overhit a pass to Connor Ronan during a two-on-one break. Ronan's corner was then headed across the face by Nisbet, but there was no finish.
Hearts' opener came from their first sustained pressure. Amadou Ba-Sy turned Chris Cadden far too easily, and his cross was half-cleared. Blair Spittal's shot was blocked by Nesta Guinness-Walker, and when Dan Happe made a sliding clearance, the ball fell to McEntee, who knocked it in from close range.
Aberdeen's late rally completes the turnaround
The second half was a timid affair in terms of goalmouth action. Claudio Braga put one shot wide for Aberdeen, who had plenty of possession but rarely threatened Hearts. Reus was only called into serious action around the 70th minute, palming away a Cadden shot. Stephen Robinson responded with a quadruple substitution, while Hearts made two of their own to try to see the game out.
Aberdeen's pressure finally paid off in the last minute of normal time. Stuart Armstrong's free kick was headed across the face by Dan Happe, and Lewis Mayo knocked in from close range. A VAR check gave the goal, lifting the home crowd.
Aberdeen continued to push in stoppage time, and they won it when Toyosi Olusanya got in behind Findlay, who fouled him as he tried to shoot. Referee David Dickinson pointed to the spot and sent off Findlay. After another VAR check, Kevin Nisbet, appointed club captain earlier in the week, sent Reus the wrong way from the penalty spot to spark wild celebrations at Pittodrie.
