Hearts are likely to play FC Zurich of Switzerland in the Europa League play-offs unless Northern Irish side Linfield provide a major shock.
The pair contested a third round qualifier on Thursday night and the winner goes on to play Robbie Neilson's men later this month for a place in the group stages. Zurich were heavy favourites in this tie and that has been proven with their comfortable 2-0 win over David Healy's men in Belfast.
Tosin Aiyegun put the Swiss visitors in front after only eight minutes with a fine finish from inside the penalty box. Robbie McDaid and Eetu Vertainen came close to flipping the script and levelling things up either side of the half-time whistle. But teenage Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto doubled Zurich's lead just after the hour mark to provide them full control ahead of next week's home tie. The loser drops into the Europa Conference League.
READ MORE: Hearts Europa League playoff draw confirmed as Jambos discover first European opponents
Linfield's defeat at home came over a week after they were brutally eliminated from the Champions League qualifying phase with an 8-0 aggregate defeat by Norway's Bodo/Glimt.
The Swiss champions provide another stern test for them, especially away from home, so Hearts may be looking at a trip abroad as opposed to the UK. Play-off ties will be played August 18th and 25th.
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Before that they have a huge Premiership match to look forward to, with Hibs at Easter Road what comes next for the Jambos.
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