Heart of Midlothian's Champions League dream is all but over after a 4-0 defeat to Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena. The Jambos conceded three goals in nine second-half minutes, collapsing after a first half where they missed several chances.
First half misses prove costly
Hearts started brightly but fell behind after just four minutes when Jon Stankovic headed in from a Jeyland Mitchell throw-in. Seedy Jatta hit the post, and Alexander Schwolow made a save, but Hearts created chances too. Claudio Braga forced a save from Daniil Khudiakov, Landry Kabore wasted two good openings, and Alexandros Kyziridis poked wide from Braga's cutback. A penalty for an apparent Harry Milne handball was overturned after a VAR review.
Second half collapse
Four minutes after the break, Mitchell bundled home from a corner to make it 2-0. In the 53rd minute, Luca Weinhandl's deflected drive made it 3-0, and Jurgen Heil added a fourth just before the hour mark, slotting through Schwolow's legs. The 1,300 travelling fans watched in dismay as the damage was done.
Wouter Vrancken's nightmare start
New manager Wouter Vrancken urged Hearts to show guts, but they looked wide open defensively, especially at set pieces. The absence of Stuart Findlay and Craig Halkett through injury was felt. Vrancken's style of passing forward at pace caused chaos, but mostly in Hearts' defence.
Missed chances
Hearts need Amadou Ba-Sy fit and firing after wasting good chances. Kabore remains unreliable in front of goal, and Kyziridis missed a sitter. Ba-Sy showed a killer instinct in a recent friendly and looks the best option up front.
New signings struggle
Only two of Hearts' 10 summer signings started the match. Malachi Fagan-Walcott made his debut in defence and looked like a player making a giant leap from the National League to the Champions League. Calvin Miller was quiet on the right wing.
Sturm Graz dominate
Sturm were clinical in front of goal, solid at the back, and dangerous from set pieces. Hearts will drop into the Europa League but face a tough challenge against Benfica or St Gallen. Vrancken needs to find a rapid formula to avoid tumbling out of Europe altogether.
