Rapid Vienna
Heart of Midlothian triumphed 4-3 on penalties over Rapid Vienna after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round, breaking Austrian hearts in a drama-filled night at Allianz Stadion. The Scots showed grit and resilience to overcome a daunting Rapid side that dominated possession but ultimately cracked under the pressure of spot-kicks.
Rapid Vienna Strike First But Hearts Show Spirit
Rapid Vienna seized control early, their 68% possession translating into a deserved lead on 34 minutes when Ercan Kara fired home. Hearts’ task looked even harder when Tórur Magnusson received a second yellow card on 76 minutes, reducing them to ten men. But the Edinburgh side dug deep, and substitute Patson Kabore levelled just three minutes later with a clinical finish from Blair Spittal’s pinpoint assist.
Heart Of Midlothian Dig Deep in Extra Time
Both sides had chances in extra time, with Craig Miller putting Hearts ahead on 100 minutes only for Nenad Cvetkovic to equalise on 119 minutes for Rapid Vienna, setting up a dramatic penalty shootout. Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus emerged the hero, saving twice as the Scottish side held their nerve from the spot to win 4-3. Sam Kerjota fired home the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Hearts support.
What This Result Means For Both Sides
For Rapid Vienna, this was a heartbreaking exit on home turf despite dominating for large periods. Their 33 shots to Hearts’ 12 told the story of their superiority, but wastefulness and defensive lapses proved costly. Hearts, meanwhile, showed remarkable character to overcome the odds and secure a famous European victory. Their reward is a place in the group stage, while Vienna are left to rue missed opportunities.
Key Moments
34′ âš½ Rapid Vienna — E. Kara
76′ 🟥 Heart Of Midlothian — T. Magnusson sent off
79′ âš½ Heart Of Midlothian — P. Kabore (assist: B. Spittal)
100′ âš½ Heart Of Midlothian — C. Miller (assist: R. Mato)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
