RFS star Emerson Baiano has admitted anything is possible after a dream start to the Europa Conference League campaign.
The Latvian side grabbed a 1-1 draw in Florence against Serie A outfit Fiorentina to grab a very unexpected point in the section. Hearts come up against the group fourth seeds this coming midweek in Riga and that big result has fuelled belief that they can make it four points from six.
Robbie Neilson's side suffered a huge 4-0 home defeat by Istanbul Basaksehir in the opening game of the season and now face a tricky away trip as they bid to return to form and get points on the board. The Jambos have lost six of their last seven games ahead of this one and RFS ace Baiano is adamant his side can defy the odds and pile on even more misery.
READ MORE: Hearts star Craig Halkett on Europa Conference League lesson as he targets points in Riga
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He told the Sunday Mail: "After a 1-1 draw in our first game against Fiorentina, anything is definitely possible. Our hopes have increased after that result.
"Are we favourites now against Hearts? I wouldn't say that.
"But no one will beat RFS easily. We certainly proved that in Florence.
"We're at home, we'll have our supporters with us which is important and our challenge is to win. If we do then we'll analyse the situation.
"Hearts lost 4-0 but your first game in Europe for a long time is always hard. We expect a reaction from them next week. Scotland has a football history full of merit.
"We know Hearts are not Rangers or Celtic but we respect all of our rivals on the pitch. We are a club with a lot of humility.
"If we can win against Hearts, our dream to progress in European competition will be even bigger.
"So this is a very important match for the future of RFS. And we will play it like it is."
READ MORE:
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- Hearts confirm Zander Clark signing as Joe Savage highlights free agency importance to Jambos
- Liam Boyce given Hearts hope as boss refuses to say striker's season is over after knee blow
- Hearts starlet Lewis Neilson talks comparisons to Rangers John Souttar and his EPL dream
- Three things we learned as Hearts sent for early Premier Sports Cup bath in Gorgie by Kilmarnock
