Aberdeen pulled off one of the most shocking results of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season on Sunday, November 23, 2025, defeating league leaders Heart of Midlothian 1-0 at Pittodrie Stadium. The winner? A moment of pure Finnish flair from Topi Keskinen, whose 39th-minute strike sent the home crowd into delirium — and sent Hearts’ title hopes into a tailspin. With the win, Aberdeen Football Club didn’t just pick up three points; they shattered the narrative that Hearts were unstoppable. And it all happened after a soaking wet first half, where the pitch turned into a slippery battleground and the pace never let up.
How a Midtable Side Stopped the Leaders
Hearts entered the match with 30 points from 12 games — nine wins, three draws, zero losses, a +19 goal difference. They were six points clear of second-place Celtic Football Club, and a win here would’ve stretched that gap to seven. But Aberdeen, sitting 11th with just 11 points and a -4 goal difference, had other ideas. They’d won only three of their last 11 league games, but since the international break, they’d picked up 10 points from 15 available. Something had shifted. Maybe it was the grit. Maybe it was the rain. Or maybe it was the fact that Dimitar Mitov, Aberdeen’s Bulgarian goalkeeper, had been quietly turning into one of the league’s most reliable last lines of defense.The Goal That Changed Everything
The decisive moment came in the 39th minute. A quick counterattack, initiated by Leighton Clarkson’s sharp pass from midfield, found Topi Keskinen drifting into space on the left. He cut inside, feinted past Austrian midfielder Michael Steinwender, and fired low across the goal. The ball kissed the inside of the post before nestling into the net. No celebration. Just a nod. Like he’d done it a hundred times before. And maybe he had — in training, in Finland, in the rain-slicked pitches of his youth.Hearts’ Missed Chances and Aberdeen’s Grit
Hearts didn’t go down quietly. In the 50th minute, Pierre Landry Kabore burst through on goal and squared the ball to Claudio Braga, who had a tap-in. But Mitov, diving full-stretch, blocked the pass with his legs. Later, a corner from Cammy Devlin led to a header from English defender Frankie Kent — Mitov saved it again. Then came Tomas Magnusson’s close-range volley, which the keeper palmed away like he was swatting a fly. At one point, the ball bounced three times in the Aberdeen six-yard box. No goal. Just Mitov, on his knees, breathing hard.
Hearts’ Collapse and the Psychological Blow
The real story isn’t just the scoreline — it’s the pattern. Hearts have now won just once in their last four games. They’ve gone from looking like champions-in-waiting to a team suddenly rattled. Claudio Braga was booked in the 31st minute for diving after a minimal nudge from Mats Knoester — a moment that seemed to crack their composure. And when substitute Andy Forrest came on in the 85th minute with orders to score, he barely touched the ball. The pressure was visible. You could hear it in the silence of their fans.What This Means for the Title Race
Celtic, who had been chasing Hearts with 26 points from 12 games, now have breathing room. But more importantly, Aberdeen’s win has injected chaos into a race that seemed settled. Hearts are no longer untouchable. And Aberdeen? They’re not just surviving — they’re dangerous. This result isn’t just about three points. It’s about belief. For the first time in months, the Dons are playing like they belong in the same conversation as the top teams. And that’s more valuable than any stat.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- 39th minute: Topi Keskinen scores the only goal — low drive from left side, deflected off post.
- 31st minute: Claudio Braga booked for simulation after contact with Mats Knoester.
- 42nd minute: Mats Knoester receives yellow card for a late challenge.
- 50th minute: Michael Steinwender booked for a reckless tackle.
- 78th minute: Dimitar Mitov denies Pierre Landry Kabore’s one-on-one with a reflex save.
- 84th minute: Keskinen subbed off for Nick Milanovic; Hearts make three changes in two minutes.
- 90+7 minutes: Hearts throw everyone forward. Aberdeen clear every chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Aberdeen manage to beat Hearts despite being 11th in the table?
Aberdeen’s win wasn’t about tactics alone — it was about heart, timing, and a world-class performance from goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. After a sluggish start to the season, they’ve found rhythm in the past five games, picking up 10 points from 15. With Jesper Karlsson absent, Keskinen stepped up as the offensive spark, and the defense, led by Knoester and Mitov, turned chaos into control. Hearts, by contrast, looked mentally fatigued after a long unbeaten run.
Why was Hearts’ loss so damaging to their title hopes?
Hearts were poised to go seven points clear of Celtic with a win — a psychological barrier that would’ve been nearly impossible to overcome. Instead, they’ve now won just one of their last four matches, and their goal difference advantage has shrunk. With Celtic playing in hand and Glasgow rivals Rangers gaining momentum, Hearts’ window to seal the title is narrowing fast. This result didn’t just cost them points — it cost them momentum.
What role did Topi Keskinen play beyond scoring the goal?
Keskinen wasn’t just the scorer — he was the catalyst. He made 11 successful dribbles, won 8 of 12 duels, and forced three defensive errors. His movement stretched Hearts’ backline, creating space for Clarkson and Milne to operate. Before this game, he’d been largely quiet in the league. But on this night, he played like a man who knew this was his moment — and he seized it with calm precision.
How did the weather impact the match?
A heavy pre-match downpour turned Pittodrie’s surface into a slick, unpredictable canvas. Long balls became risky, short passes slipped, and tackles turned into slides. Hearts, who rely on structured build-up play, struggled to find rhythm. Aberdeen, more direct and physical, used the conditions to their advantage. The rain didn’t cause the upset — but it certainly helped create the chaos Hearts couldn’t handle.
Is Dimitar Mitov now the best goalkeeper in the Scottish Premiership?
He’s certainly in the conversation. Mitov made seven saves in this match, including three from point-blank range. His save percentage this season is now 84% — the highest among starters. While Craig Gordon and Joe Hart get more attention, Mitov’s consistency under pressure, especially in big games, is turning heads. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a serious contender for Player of the Season.
What’s next for Aberdeen and Hearts?
Aberdeen host Dundee United next, a game they’ll see as a chance to climb out of the relegation zone. Hearts travel to Rangers — a fixture that now feels like a must-win just to stay in the title race. With Celtic playing midweek, the pressure on Hearts will only intensify. This result didn’t just change the table — it changed the psychology of the entire league.