Ten-man Heart of Midlothian produced a heroic display to beat Rapid Vienna on penalties and qualify for the Conference League.
After a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle, Hearts fell behind to an Ercan Kara first-half goal as the home side dominated. However, a much improved second half saw Landry Kabore level, despite Tomas Magnusson having been sent off moments before.
Extra time was always going to be a big ask but they stood up to it and the brilliant Calvin Miller scored with an exquisite volley, despite clearly struggling with an injury.
Nenad Cvetkovic sent a dagger into their hearts with just a minute of extra time to play. However, it mattered not as Beau Reus produced two penalty saves to send them through.
Here is how the Hearts players rated.
Beau Reus - 8
The goalkeeper did well to prevent an early goal by getting out to narrow Tonni Adamsen's angle and save his effort. May have felt he could have done better than parry a free-kick from distance back into the danger area, but there were no repercussions as Jamie McCart cleared. Hearts’ hero in the shootout, saving two penalties including the crucial one from Marco Tilio.
Jordi Altena - 6
The right-back struggled a little bit defensively early on and was forced into conceding a couple of free-kicks, walking a tightrope in terms of picking up a booking. When Ercen Kara opened the scoring, he did so from an area where Altena probably should have sensed the danger and covered in. Still gave quality in possession at times.
Oisin McEntee - 8
Picked up a booking early on for a clumsy, and unnecessary, tackle, around the halfway line on Kara. Almost scored a sublime goal with a strike from distance - circa 35 yards - dealt with unconvincingly by Hedl. Was often the man on the end of defensive set pieces in and around the six-yard box. Stood up so strong when the pressure was heaped on.
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Stuart Findlay - 6
Stayed alert as Rapid started fast, getting his body in before making a clearance on more than one occasion. The centre-back didn’t come out for the second half - unclear if due to an injury or just a change - to be replaced by Christian Borchgrevink. The Norwegian went to left-back with Jamie McCart moving inside.
Jamie McCart - 7
Solid enough in both positions. Rapid were pretty lively down the flanks but got more joy from Altena on the other side. McCart wasn’t fazed by a change of position halfway through the game either, albeit there was less attacking play to deal with.
Tom Renaud - N/A
The French midfielder’s involvement in the game was over after just 15 minutes when Petter Nosa Dahl landed awkwardly on his ankle. Renaud was stretchered off with what looked like a potentially nasty one, another injury worry for Wouter Vrancken. He had looked eager to press and win the ball back during his short time on the pitch.
Blair Spittal - 6
Deservedly wearing the armband for the influence he has on the team, but the midfielder was slack in possession on the few occasions he did manage to get on it in the first half. Much better start to the second, winning possession and using it well, and actually came pretty close with a speculative volley from outside the box. One really good pass sent Wilson in the clear before the home defence was able to recover. Tomas Magnusson should have scored from a brilliant Spittal free-kick delivery. Couldn’t continue for extra-time after taking a knock.
Calvin Miller - 8
Not as lively in an attacking sense as McPake on the other side in the first half, but put in a big shift off the ball, winning the ball high up the pitch on a few occasions. Grew as the game went on - always tried to be positive and look to move forward with the ball when he picked it up. The icing on the cake was when he put Hearts ahead in extra time with a brilliant acrobatic volley. Injured himself in the process but battled on heroically.
Josh McPake - 6
Hearts’ star man in the home leg and looked quite lively in flashes again this evening. Along with Claudio Braga, the wide man was one of the biggest threats in the first half, but the final product was lacking. Continued to work hard to get on the ball and try to make something happen. Off for Sabah Kerjota on 74 minutes.
James Wilson - 5
In for Landry Kabore as the only change to the XI from last week after the teen’s sensational strike off the bench. Did plenty of running tonight even though he wasn’t seeing much of the ball. More involved in the second half and was almost in on goal from Spittal’s pass. Off for Kabore on 74 minutes.
Claudio Braga - 7
A tough ask early on as he ploughed a lone furrow and fed off scraps, but the Portuguese did manage to win a couple of free-kicks to help ease the pressure on his side. Had Hearts’ best chance of the first half after sloppy play from the home side, his strike across goal beaten away by Niklas Hedl. Had a stabbed effort from a corner cleared off the line by Kara. After running his socks off, he was taken off for Laurent Mendy in the closing stages of normal time.
Substitutes
Tomas Magnusson - 5
Showed intent with a driving run straight after coming on, but then chose the wrong pass. Struggled to get into the game after that and was booked, perhaps harshly, for a challenge on Jannes Horn. Moments after missing a glorious chance to equalise, sent off for a second booking for a late challenge.
Christian Borchgrevink - 6
Far from natural but applied himself well when operating in the unfamiliar position of left-back. Heavily involved in the play. Produced an outstanding block to prevent a certain late winner from Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao, ensuring extra time instead.
Sabah Kerjota - 6
Brought plenty of energy after coming on, both on and off the ball.
Landry Kabore - 7
Grabbed an equaliser minutes after coming on, attacking Spittal’s corner delivery with his chest at the front post and cleverly diverting it over the line. Showed composure when Hearts broke to feed Rogers Mato down the left, which led to Miller's goal.
Laurent Mendy - 5
Offered defensive protection at the base of midfield, as well as composure on the ball.
Rogers Mato - 6
Brought on for his work rate and pressing ability and provided both. An added bonus was an excellent cross to pick out Miller at the back post.
