Hearts were thumped 6-1 by Benfica and now must prepare themselves to drop into the Conference League.
It was always going to be difficult for last season's Premiership runners-up, but they gifted the Portuguese giants three goals in the first half, and the same again in the second.
Tom Renaud scored a consolation, his first for the club.
Here is how the players rated:
Beau Reus - 6
Made some big saves early on, including from Gianluca Prestianni inside two minutes, before being helpless at the opener. Then made further stops from Leandro Barreiro, twice. However, got a touch to Tomas Araujo’s header for the second, and could have maybe done more to keep it out.
Jordi Altena - 5
Showed more of the defensive frailties that were on show at Pittodrie at the weekend, with much of Benfica’s good play coming down their left side. Continues to try lots of cross-field passes, even when they are not really on, which can be risky.
Oisin McEntee - 5
Continues to fill in at centre-back and actually looks more comfortable on the ball from the deeper position, stepping forward with it. However, was drawn out to a wide area for Benfica’s early chance as the visiting defence got dragged around. Unlucky to concede a penalty at the death.
Stuart Findlay - 4
The Hearts defence was always going to be up against it, and it’s hard to be too critical. Findlay though, may question whether he could have done better to challenge when Araujo headed in to make it two. Struggled from open play in that first half too as Benfica carved Hearts open. Improved with the rest of the team after the break.
Harry Milne - 5
Milne is the captain in the absence of Craig Halkett and tried to cajole his teammates into action throughout. Found it tough defensively as runner after runner peeled off into channels and created overloads. Subbed at half-time, probably more about saving his legs for Dundee United at the weekend.
Laurent Mendy - 4
Playing against a European giant weeks after his move from non-league football in England. Handed the hosts their third on a plate with a silly tug on Prestianni. Also, had been unable to track Silva for the first goal. Possibly could have done better with his header that struck the bar from Spittal’s free-kick. Another to be removed at the break, again likely for his own physical protection after missing pre-season.
Blair Spittal - 6
Trusted in the heart of midfield again and there will continue to be questions asked about his suitability in the ‘double pivot’ due to his lack of pace and defensive deficiencies. However, created Hearts’ best chance with a dangerous delivery from which Landry Kabore headed off the bar. Improved in the second half and was involved in the goal along with Guendouz and Renaud.
Calvin Miller - 6
Was one of the players getting on the ball lots as Hearts settled in the middle part of the first half, and won a free-kick with some brilliant play to draw a foul from Gianluca Prestianni. There had previously been another piece of skill that didn’t look out of place in the Estadio da Luz.
Claudio Braga - 6
Last season’s Scottish Premiership Player of the Year was back playing in his homeland, and put in a shift as he played just off Landry Kabore. Had a half-sniff at a chance with a header from a free-kick delivery, but couldn’t get enough on it when he possibly could have left it for a teammate.
Alexandros Kyziridis - 6
Back in the side after staying on the bench throughout at Aberdeen and worked hard on the left flank in the first half. Got on the ball at times too and cut in on his right to find teammates as we saw so often last season.
Landry Kabore - 4
Could he have reacted quicker after Mendy’s header came back off the bar? Perhaps harsh. A tough night for the Burkina Faso striker as he attempted to lead the line when his team was up against it. Tripped over the ball for one of the goals. Subbed after 64 minutes for Sabri Guendouz.
Substitutes:
Tom Renaud - 5
On for the second 45 minutes and poor for the Portuguese giants’ fourth goal, gifting possession on the edge of the box with a slack pass. Made amends for that with a well-taken goal, a low shot struck with plenty of venom.
Jamie McCart - 5
Helped steady things as he came on to form a back three and made Hearts a bit more resolute and hard to play through.
Sabri Guendouz - 5
On for Kabore and immediately involved with some intricate build-up play to then produce the assist for Renaud.
Josh McPake - 5
On for the impressive Miller and tried to take up where he left off, looking confident.
Sabah Kerjota - N/A
On for the last few minutes.
