Heart of Midlothian Fixtures and Title Race Update
London, 22 February 2026 – Heart of Midlothian have maintained their position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership following a vital 1-0 victory over Falkirk at Tynecastle Park yesterday. A first goal for the club from Islam Chesnokov secured the three points, ensuring Derek McInnes’s side remains the team to beat as the league approaches the post-split fixtures. The victory was a crucial response following a 4-2 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox last week, which had temporarily narrowed the gap at the top.
The Title Race Intensifies
Hearts currently lead the Scottish Premiership with 57 points, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Rangers (55 points). Celtic remain firmly in the hunt, sitting three points off the lead. Head coach Derek McInnes has urged his squad to “relish the opportunity” of a three-horse title race, dismissing suggestions that the Edinburgh side cannot sustain their momentum against the Glasgow giants. The “Tynecastle Factor” is expected to play a significant role in the coming weeks, with the Gorgie Ultras recently raising funds for enhanced displays to support the team’s historic run-in.
Key Club and Stadium Facts
As the season reaches its climax, Tynecastle Park continues to serve as a fortress for the league leaders. Below are the essential details regarding the club’s home ground and heritage.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Stadium | Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh |
| Seating Capacity | 19,852 |
| Year Established | 1874 |
| Head Coach | Derek McInnes |
| Recent Result | Hearts 1-0 Falkirk (21 February 2026) |
| League Position | 1st (Scottish Premiership) |
| UEFA Status | Category 4 Stadium |
Upcoming Fixture Outlook
While the official post-split fixture list is yet to be finalised by the SPFL, Hearts face a challenging schedule to secure their first top-flight title since 1960. Analysts suggest that the club must navigate difficult away trips, including a potential return to Ibrox or Celtic Park, while maintaining their perfect form at Gorgie. The club is also balancing domestic duties with their ongoing campaign in the UEFA Conference League.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal in the match against Falkirk?
Islam Chesnokov scored the only goal of the match on 21 February 2026, marking his first goal for Heart of Midlothian and securing a 1-0 win.
What is the current capacity of Tynecastle Park?
Following the completion of the new Main Stand in 2017, Tynecastle Park has an all-seater capacity of 19,852, making it the sixth-largest football stadium in Scotland.
How many points clear are Hearts at the top of the table?
As of 22 February 2026, Hearts are two points clear of Rangers and three points ahead of Celtic, though Celtic currently hold a game in hand.
When was Heart of Midlothian FC founded?
The club was formed in 1874, taking its name from the famous novel by Sir Walter Scott.