Hearts booked a return to the Conference League's main phase after a dramatic playoff second leg in Vienna, winning 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time despite playing much of the match with 10 men.
Key facts
- Playoff second leg finished Rapid Vienna 2-2 Hearts after extra time, with Hearts winning 4-3 on penalties.
- The first leg at Tynecastle also ended 2-2.
- Hearts were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after Tomas Magnusson's red card.
- Goalkeeper Beau Reus made two penalty saves in the shootout.
- Rapid scored through Ercan Kara (34) and Cvetkovic (119); Hearts replied via Kabore (79) and Miller (100).
Hearts secured a return to the Conference League’s main phase after a dramatic penalty shootout victory away to Rapid Vienna, according to the Guardian. The playoff second leg finished 2-2 after extra time, with the Scottish side prevailing 3-4 on penalties.
The tie had been finely balanced following a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Tynecastle. In Vienna, Rapid took the lead through Ercan Kara’s first-half goal in the 34th minute, and Hearts’ European journey appeared to be fading.
The situation grew more difficult when Tomas Magnusson was shown a red card in the 75th minute, reducing Hearts to 10 men while they were already trailing. Despite the setback, the visitors responded through Kabore in the 79th minute.
Miller then put Hearts ahead in the 100th minute during extra time, before Cvetkovic struck for Rapid in the 119th minute to force a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Beau Reus made two penalty saves as Hearts held their nerve to win 4-3 on spot-kicks, completing what the Guardian described as a stunning victory to reach the competition’s main phase.
Why it matters
Reaching the Conference League main phase means a run of European fixtures for Hearts, bringing added prestige and revenue to the Edinburgh club. The result underlines the resilience of a side that overcame a red card and a deficit to progress on the big stage.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final result of the Hearts v Rapid Vienna tie?
The second leg finished 2-2 after extra time in Vienna, and Hearts won 4-3 on penalties. The first leg had also ended 2-2, according to the Guardian.
Who scored in the second leg?
Rapid Vienna scored through Ercan Kara (34th minute) and Cvetkovic (119th minute), while Hearts replied via Kabore (79th) and Miller (100th).
Why were Hearts down to 10 men?
Tomas Magnusson was sent off in the 75th minute, reducing Hearts to 10 players while they were already trailing.