Hearts were dismantled 5-0 by Benfica in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg at the Stadium of Light, equalling their heaviest European defeat.
Early disaster for Hearts
Rafa Silva opened the scoring inside three minutes, and by half-time Hearts were 3-0 down after Tomas Araujo's header and Vangelis Pavlidis' penalty. Laurent Mendy hit the bar, but Gianluca Prestianni added a fourth after the break.
Substitute Tom Renaud pulled one back for Hearts, but late goals from Jhon Duran and Andreas Schjelderup's injury-time penalty sealed the rout.
Vrancken's warning unheeded
Manager Wouter Vrancken had warned his team about Benfica's lethal attackers, but his side failed to stay out of harm's way. The defeat was their fourth straight loss under the Belgian, and the manner of it will sting.
Keeper Beau Reus made several saves to keep the score down, but Hearts were outclassed throughout. The return leg in Edinburgh next Thursday is now a hopeless task.
Record-equalling defeat
The 5-0 loss equalled Hearts' 5-0 defeat to Tottenham 15 years ago. Vrancken bemoaned "stupid" penalty concessions, with two spot-kicks awarded against his side.
Hearts next face Dundee United on Sunday before the return leg in Edinburgh.
