Hearts' European pathway becomes clearer after Benfica defeat as Jambos set to return to familiar destination
The 6-1 loss means Jambos are destined for the Conference League play-off
Hearts are on course to face Rapid Vienna in the Conference League qualification play-off round - less than a month since they met Austrian rivals Sturm Graz.
The Jambos’ 6-1 defeat to Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier all-but ensures they’ll be dropping down a level in Europe again. Meanwhile, Rapid Vienna prevailed 4-1 victors away to Estonian outfit Paide Linnameeskond to give them a significant advantage going into the second leg.
Despite what the scoreline would suggest, the 32-time Austrian Champions - who finished fourth place domestically last season - didn’t have it all their own way at the Le Coq Arena in Tallinn. An early penalty from Vienna right back Bendeguz Bolla was cancelled out by Paide winger Daniel Luts on the stroke of half time.
Despite the visitors dominating the possession stats in the second half, Paide were able to hold firm until the 83rd minute - however that’s when the floodgates opened. Rapidler substitute Moulaye Haidara came on to change the game, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to put the tie out of sight for the hosts. Attacking midfielder Petter Nosa Dahl - who came on for former Celtic man Marco Tilio - also got in on the action.
With both Hearts and Paide needing something beyond miracles to overturn their deficits, Jambos fans shouldn’t even need to book free cancellation hotels for their potential trip to Vienna. They would, however be hoping for a better outcome in the capital than in Graz - after losing 4-0 at the Merkur Arena last month, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle. The play-off ties will take place on August 20 and August 27.