Rangers vs Hibs final: Reedijk eyes silverware after historic Hampden derby win over Hearts

Marink Reedijk believes Hibernian can challenge Rangers for the Premier Sports Cup after his first victory in charge ended the club’s long wait for a Hampden derby win over Hearts.

The Rangers vs Hibs final will take place at Hampden Park on Sunday, 13 December, following Hibs’ 2–1 comeback victory over their Edinburgh rivals.

Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath overturned Claudio Braga’s early opener on Sunday, before Hibs resisted second-half pressure to beat Hearts at the national stadium for the first time.

For Reedijk, whose side remain bottom of the Scottish Premiership, the performance offered encouragement beyond a place in the final.

Reedijk backs Hibs to trouble Rangers

Asked what gave him confidence about facing Rangers, Reedijk pointed to the progress he believes his players are making and their response to the occasion against Hearts.

The Dutchman said Hibs could make life difficult for any opponent if they continued to develop, stressing that a clear plan would matter as much as the emotion of a cup final.

“I know I have a really good belief that we also can do something in the final.”

His comments were reported by The Scotsman after a victory secured at the fifth attempt of his Hibs tenure.

Reedijk also praised Joe Newell, who started for the third time in a week and was named man of the match. The midfielder was involved in both goals and helped Hibs recover after conceding inside four minutes.

Boyle and McGrath end Hearts’ Hampden dominance

Hearts had won the previous four Edinburgh derbies at Hampden, in 2006, 2012, 2020 and 2022. Braga’s header from Calvin Miller’s corner threatened another difficult afternoon for Hibs.

Instead, Boyle equalised in the 19th minute before McGrath put Hibs ahead three minutes before half-time.

Newell also struck the crossbar during a strong first-half response, while goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger made important saves as Hearts pushed for an equaliser after the interval.

Sallinger denied Braga and tipped over a powerful effort from Sabri Guendouz. Hibs continued to threaten at the other end, with Boyle among those testing Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus.

The SPFL’s match summary confirms an attendance of 41,673 for the first Edinburgh derby played at this stage of the League Cup.

Rangers vs Hibs final: date and venue

Rangers had booked their place a day earlier, beating Aberdeen 1–0 through Ryan Naderi’s late goal.

The striker converted James Penrice’s delivery in the 83rd minute to send Derek McInnes’ side through. Our Rangers vs Aberdeen match report covers their route through the semi-final.

Detail	Confirmed information
Final	Rangers vs Hibernian
Competition	Premier Sports Cup
Date	Sunday 13 December 2026
Venue	Hampden Park, Glasgow
Rangers’ semi-final	Rangers 1–0 Aberdeen
Hibs’ semi-final	Hearts 1–2 Hibernian

League recovery comes first for Hibs

Hibs return to Premiership action away at Aberdeen on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off at 5.45pm.

They have eight points from 11 league matches and remain a point behind Kilmarnock. The cup victory gives Reedijk his first win, but their position leaves an immediate need to carry that performance into the league.

Speaking after the derby, Reedijk praised both his side’s first-half football and their willingness to fight together when Hearts applied pressure. He said maintaining that level would allow Hibs to compete with anyone.

For Hearts, the defeat brought further injury concerns. Tomas Magnusson went off after a head knock, while Miller was also unable to continue before half-time.

Wouter Vrancken’s side next travel to FC Thun in the Conference League on Thursday, 5 November. Hibs, meanwhile, head to Pittodrie with a final to look forward to and a first win under Reedijk to build on.