EDINBURGH, Scotland (Interstat) — Heart of Midlothian opened its Scottish Premiership campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Motherwell at a rain-slicked Tynecastle Park on Saturday, defying pre-match projections in a match that came to life after a tense and goalless first half.

The contest, which saw the home side dominate the second half, unfolded contrary to statistical expectations. Data firm Interstat had given Motherwell a 53.90 percent probability of victory, though its game simulator had accurately predicted the final margin.

A cagey opening 45 minutes yielded few clear chances, with Motherwell’s Paul McGinn receiving the only booking in the 19th minute for a tactical foul. The deadlock was broken five minutes after the restart, and against the early second-half run of play. Motherwell substitute Emmanuel Longelo, who had just entered the fray, found space at the edge of the area and fired a low drive to give the visiting side a surprising 1-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived. Hearts responded with immediate pressure and found an equalizer just 11 minutes later. A driving run and clever pass from forward Landry Kaboré unlocked the Motherwell defense, setting up teammate Cláudio Braga for a composed finish in the 61st minute to level the score.

As the match entered its final stages, Hearts’ superior fitness and attacking intent became decisive. The home side’s winner arrived in dramatic fashion in the second minute of stoppage time. Following a sustained period of possession, a cross from Motherwell substitute Ibrahim Said was met by a powerful header from Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, putting the hosts ahead 2-1.

The victory was sealed moments later, directly from the restart. Kaboré, who had been instrumental throughout the half, capitalized on a disorganized Motherwell defense, intercepting a pass and slotting home in the 90+2 minute to complete the 3-1 scoreline. Kaboré’s influential performance, featuring a goal and an assist, was marred only by a yellow card received in the aftermath of his celebration.

Motherwell’s frustrations were evident late, with Said also booked in the 82nd minute for a reckless challenge. The result leaves Motherwell with an 0-1 record to start the Premiership season, while Hearts begin 1-0. Both clubs see their overall records across all competitions mirror those league marks.

The match ultimately turned on Hearts’ clinical finishing in key moments and a standout performance from Kaboré, whose creativity and late goal transformed the game. Motherwell, despite a valiant effort and a bright start to the second half, was unable to withstand the sustained pressure from the Edinburgh side in front of a vocal home crowd.