Edinburgh derby head to head | Hearts vs Hibernian History and Stats

Introduction to derby

The Edinburgh Derby is one of British football’s oldest and most culturally charged rivalries, the launch Heart of Midlothian against hibernian in a city divided by history, class, religion and geography. First contested in the 19th century, the game has spanned league titles,
relegation battles, cup finals and spectacular late goals, all played between Tynecastle Park and Easter Road. More than just a Scottish Premiership derby, Hearts vs Hibernian represents civic identity, with generations of supporters measuring seasons by derby results as much as
silverware

All-time head-to-head record

In the main competitive competitions: the Scottish League,
Scottish Cup and League Cup – Hearts and hibernian
have been gathered hundreds of times, producing a substantial statistical record that
it reflects long periods of dominance, shifts in momentum, and strong struggle
eras

These totals underline Hearts’ historic advantage in the competition
The Edinburgh derbies, especially boosted by the good performances of the league in the
mid-20th century and again during periods such as the late 1980s and
mid 2000s. of Hibernian
is grouped in different periods, especially at the beginning of the seventies and sections of the
modern Premiership, while the high number of draws reflects the frequency with which the derby
tension has overridden quality.

Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

The last few Edinburgh derbies have been marked by the fine
margins, late goals and fluctuating league contexts, with both clubs enjoying themselves
periods of momentum rather than sustained supremacy.

The recent pattern shows a clear influence of the place, with Easter Road
often proving difficult for Hearts, while Tynecastle derbies are regularly tight
on late incidents. The discipline, the strokes of the game and the emotional drive have been
decisive, high-scoring encounters remain relatively rare, reinforcing the
the misleading nature of modern Edinburgh Derby results.

Key players and rivalries by era

Classical Era (1930s-1960s)

The classic era was defined by attacking and full football
terraces Chorus icons like Tommy Walker and Willie Bauld incarnate
elegance and leadership at the same time of Hibernian
The era of the Famous Five brought figures such as Gordon Smith and Lawrie Reilly
folklore derby These players mattered because they combined technique
quality with a fearless approach in hostile environments, often dictating the
rhythm of the parties.

Notable duels included Walker vs. Smith in midfield control, Bauld
against Reilly as a physical battle of centre-forwards and full-backs
where positional discipline was tested against free scoring
forwards

Transition period (1970s-1990s)

This period ranged from of Hibernian
dominance of the early 1970s and Hearts’ resurgence in the late 1980s. Players
the likes of Jimmy O’Rourke and John Blackley for Hibs contrasted with Hearts
leaders such as Gary Mackay and Craig Levein. The tactical organization became more
pronounced, with derby matches increasingly shaped by midfield bite and
defensive structure

Key rivalries included Mackay v Blackley in the central areas, Levein
against strikers Hibs in aerial battles, and captain against captain
leadership contests that often set the emotional tone.

Modern Era (2000s-2010s)

The modern era saw derbies influenced by European ambitions and
financial contrasts. Hearts players like Paul Hartley and Rudi Skácel
brought goal threat from midfield, while hibernian
countered with figures like Scott Brown and Derek Riordan. These players
he mattered because of his ability to decide close matches with moments of quality or
aggressiveness

Memorable duels included Hartley against Brown in combative midfield
clashes, Skácel drifting against Hibs full-backs and Riordan testing Hearts
back line with movement rather than power.

This spread of players highlights how they have different skill sets
he shaped the hearts hibernian
rivalry, from art and goals to organization and aggression.

Detailed H2H analysis

Head-to-head analysis shows that Hearts’ advantage is entrenched
consistency rather than extended dominance. His ability to avoid long
Losing runs, particularly at Tynecastle, has protected their overall record.
of Hibernian
The best spells have tended to be sharper but shorter, often coinciding with
strong managerial cycles. Drawings remain a defining, reflective feature
the tactical caution, the emotional pressure and the difficulty that both sides face
imposing style on derby day.

Key statistics and performance data

The Edinburgh Derby produces distinctive statistical patterns which
separate it from standard league matches.

• High draw percentage compared to league averages, as a reflection
  tension
• Lowest goals per game average in the modern era.
• Strong influence at home at both Tynecastle and Easter
  road
• The discipline of the midfield is often more decisive than the striker
  shape
• Late goals often change the momentum
  seasons

Memorable matches and iconic moments

Some Edinburgh derbies transcend the statistics, becoming incorporated
themselves in the collective memory of both groups of supporters.

• 14th March 1896 – Scottish Cup Final win which was set early
  supremacy
• 1 January 1973: Hibernian’s record league win at
  Tynecastle.
• September 21, 1935: Competition with the highest score
  derby
• March 18, 2012: Hearts’ emphatic league win during a dominant run
  season
• 27 December 2025: A seven-goal thriller that reignites the intensity of the modern rivalry.
• Derbies were decided by stoppage time goals that reshaped the league
  racing

Evolution of the rivalry

hearts vs hibernian
The rivalry has evolved from early free-scoring competitions to complex tactics
modern derby Professionalism, sports science and media scrutiny have been reduced
chaos but high pressure. Although the styles have changed, the emotional
the stakes remain constant, ensuring that every Edinburgh Derby continues
to have an importance far beyond the league table.

Frequently asked questions

what is edinburgh
Derby?

The Edinburgh Derby is the football rivalry between Hearts and
hibernian.

Who has the best head to head
registration?

Hearts have an overall advantage in major competitions
meetings

Which stadiums host the
derby?

Matches are played at Tynecastle Park and Easter
road

Derby games are usually loud
score?

Historically yes, but modern derbies tend to be tight and low
scoring

The derby was played outside the?
league?

Yes, including the Scottish Cup and League Cup Qualifiers.

Why is the rivalry like that
intense?

It reflects deep cultural, social and historical divisions within it
edinburgh