Hearts secured their place in the Conference League main phase after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rapid Vienna in Austria. Goalkeeper Beau Reus was the hero, saving two spot-kicks to seal a memorable night for the Edinburgh side.
Dramatic comeback in Vienna
The Jambos had to come from behind after going a goal down and a man down. Substitute Landry Kabore equalised in the 79th minute, just three minutes after fellow substitute Tomas Magnusson was sent off for a second booking.
Calvin Miller then fired Hearts ahead, only for Nenad Cvetkovic to level in the final minute of normal time. The tie went to extra time, where Miller struck again on 101 minutes after a cross from substitute Rogers Mato. However, Moulaye Haidara set up Nina Cvetkovic to equalise with just 60 seconds remaining, forcing penalties.
Reus saved from Haidara and former Celtic winger Marco Tilio. While McEntee missed Hearts' fifth penalty, Miller, Altena, Mato and Kerjota all scored to send Hearts through.
Historic achievement and financial boost
The victory makes Hearts the first Scottish side outside the Old Firm to win a play-off tie in the competition. It also secures a minimum £5m payday for the Tynecastle club.
Hearts had to survive an early spell of pressure, with Tom Renaud stretchered off after 15 minutes with an ankle injury following a collision with Petter Dahl. Rapid broke the deadlock after 35 minutes when Erca Kara scored from close range after a low shot from Demir deflected into his path.
In the second half, Hearts improved significantly. Blair Spittal's deliveries were key, with Magnusson heading against the post before his red card. Kabore then bundled in a corner with his chest to level the tie.
Individual performances and talking points
Oisin McEntee was a tower at the back despite an early booking, while captain Blair Spittal's set-piece deliveries were on the mark. Miller's goal was described as fit to win the tie.
The result was a boost for Scottish football after Celtic's heavy defeat in Linz the previous evening. Hearts had dropped out of the Champions League and Europa League earlier in the season, losing to Sturm Graz and Benfica respectively.
James Wilson started his first game in 12 months, making his 50th appearance for the club. He ran out of legs when put clear by Spittal in the second half but made intelligent runs and won fouls in good areas.
The loss of Renaud early on was a blow, with Vrancken hoping the Frenchman's ankle issue does not keep him sidelined for a lengthy spell. The midfielder has been a key player this summer, showing calmness on the ball and an eye for a defence-splitting pass. Magnusson and Laurent Mendy are able replacements in the deep-lying role.
