Claudio Braga’s solitary goal moved dominant Hearts seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as Aberdeen keeled closer to a bottom-six finish.

Pierre Landry Kabore, who had missed a good chance with a lob, set up Braga for a composed finish as the home side converted their first-half superiority into a lead.

Tomas Magnusson had headed wide for the hosts and Blair Spittal, Kabore and Braga came close to adding to their lead.

Victory for Derek McInnes’ side puts pressure on nearest challengers Rangers and Celtic, who meet on Sunday.

And Aberdeen, who were playing with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson watching on, continue their record of not having scored away from home in 2026.