Hearts brought an end to their European adventure with defeat as Istanbul Basaksehir ran out 3-1 winners.
Robbie Neilson shuffled the pack knowing the Jambos couldn't qualify from the Europa Conference League section with this afternoon's opponents and Serie A outfit Fiorentina already guaranteed of a top two finish. The Gorgie outfit ended the campaign in third with big moments to cherish in the run like the victory over RFS in Riga and also the home success over the same team.
The capital club made six changes for showdown in Turkey with three big Premiership games to come before the World Cup break against Motherwell, Rangers and Livingston. The squad is already stretched due to a high number of injuries but it was a chance for fringe men to prove their case for more first-team action. Full focus is now on the race to finish best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers so they can return to the big European stage next year and make an even better fist of things. Here is three things we learned from the European clash.
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History books
Craig Gordon was handed the start by Robbie Neilson that landed him a joint club record.
The 39-year-old now joins Henry Smith on 22 European appearances for the Tynecastle side.
But the Scotland No1 has already expressed a desire to beat the record and go out on his own by returning to the big stage next season.
The Jambos skipper ages like a fine wine and you would not put it past him to beat it and go even further beyond.
A real modern day club legend.
A moment to forget for Istanbul's second goal but a milestone moment in his career he will never forget.
Big chance
It was a night to remember for Euan Henderson and Connor Smith as they picked up starting roles in Istanbul.
Robbie Neilson shuffled his pack and decided to pitch in the duo to hand them vital European experience.
It will give both a huge boost and no doubt prove a vital lesson in their careers as they continue to kick-on.
A money can't buy experience at the tender age of 22 and 20 respectively. Both competed well for the time they spent on the pitch.
Back for more
Robbie Neilson already has his eyes set on a return to the European stage.
It's been a big learning experience for the capital club and financially beneficial for the club to the tune of £3million +.
Ahead of their game in Turkey, the Tynecastle boss outlined his desire to end the domestic campaign strong and get back to group stage football next season.
You wouldn't write off their chances of a return to the big stage with the qualify of player at their disposal.
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