It wasn't to be for Hearts in their quest to reach the Europa League group stage for the first time since 2005. But it's not all doom and gloom after a 1-0 defeat to FC Zurich at Tynecastle, which took the playoff scoreline to 3-1 on aggregate.
Robbie Neilson 's side now drop into the Europa Conference League a where they could face clubs such as Villarreal and West Ham when the draw takes place on Friday morning. The Gorgie club were already 2-1 down from the first leg in Switzerland, and they caused their opponents danger before the break and ought to have at least been level on aggregate.
However their hopes took a turn for the worst early into the second-half when Jorge Grant was sent off after being shown a second yellow card for diving in the box, before Fabian Rohner slammed in the winner for the Swiss champions with 11 minutes left. Here's how the Hearts players rated at the end of a bitter sweet evening.
Craig Gordon: Not much to do for the captain, especially in the first half. Was called into action after the break and did well, despite being hit with a coin. 7
Michael Smith: Defended well and was solid down the right hand side. One wayward shot near the end was miscue but a decent showing from the right back. 6
Stephen Kingsley: Back in the side after injury but only had one chance to test Yanick Brecher with a free-kick and it was. a tame effort. 6
Kye Rowles: The Big Aussie did well in the air and moved the ball quickly from the back. Had more defensive work after the break but did it well. 7
Alex Cochrane: A good game down the left hand side. Aggressive and showed good willing to get beyond Barrie McKay ahead of him. Not many crosses though. 7
Cammy Devlin: Hearts' best player on the night. Picked out passes cleverly, drove forward when it was on and won possession back well more than once. 8
Jorge Grant: Played well and passed the ball effectively. However, red card proved costly and trying to win a spot kick whilst on a yellow wasn't smart. 5
Alan Forrest: Was so unlucky to be denied by a great block in the first half on a shot that looked destined for the net. Caused problems then but faded after the break. 6
Barrie McKay: Flitted in and out of the game on the left-hand side, but wasn't involved enough to really cause Zurich the problems he needed to. 6
Liam Boyce: Wasn't his night. Did some good things but missed a great chance with a header towards the end of the first half that could have changed the game for Hearts. 5
Lawrence Shankland: A quiet night for the number nine. None of Hearts' first half chances fell to him and his tasK got even harder after Grant's red card. 5
Subs
Peter Haring : Put his foot in. 4
Josh Ginnelly: Hard to make an impact. 3
Toby Sibbick: Skinned for the goal. 3
Connor Smith: Little time. 2
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