Scottish Premiership: Mayo and Nisbet strike late to help Aberdeen stun Hearts

Aberdeen staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Hearts at Pittodrie in their Scottish Premiership opener, with two stoppage-time goals turning the match on its head. Lewis Mayo equalized in the 90th minute before Kevin Nisbet sealed the win from the penalty spot after Stuart Findlay's dismissal for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The result represents Aberdeen's first win at home against Hearts since 2013, ending a decade-long drought at their fortress ground and providing an immediate confidence boost for the Pittodrie side.

Hearts entered the match seeking redemption following a turbulent summer marked by managerial upheaval and squad changes under new boss Wouter Vrancken. The Edinburgh club had controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, with Oisin McEntee's first-half strike appearing sufficient to claim all three points. However, their inability to manage the closing stages proved costly, as Aberdeen's resilience and depth began to show as the match progressed. The Dons have won only two of their last 15 home fixtures against Hearts historically, making this victory a significant turning point in what has been a challenging fixture record for the hosts.

The dramatic finish marks a promising start for Aberdeen under their current management structure, though they face immediate pressure to maintain consistency across the Premiership season. Nisbet's penalty conversion demonstrates his value as a finisher during crucial moments, having contributed vital goals throughout his Aberdeen tenure. Hearts must quickly recover from this heartbreaking defeat and regroup before their next fixture, as psychological momentum becomes critical early in the campaign. The Jambos have suffered setbacks in their last five away matches at Pittodrie, suggesting structural difficulties at this particular venue that Vrancken will need to address.