Analysis The numbers behind the result
Hearts defy 68% possession with ruthless penalty shootout edges Rapid
The penalty shootout victory flattered Hearts of Midlothian slightly, with Rapid Vienna dominating possession (68%) and outshooting them 33 to 12 (including 17 off-target efforts) yet failing to capitalize on their territorial dominance. Despite Ercan Kara's 34th-minute opener, Hearts showed resilience with Patson Kabore's 79th-minute equalizer during a chaotic phase after Tómas Magnússon's 76th-minute red card. Hearts' late push came against the run of play, but their superior composure in the shootout — converting 4 of 6 penalties — proved decisive, while Rapid's Haidara & Tilio missed key spot-kicks.
The data reveals a disjointed affair: Rapid's 13 corners and 18 shots from outside the box (just 6 on target) highlighted poor chance selection, while Hearts' 7 shots on target from just 12 attempts (58% accuracy) showed sharper finishing. The game swung in extra time, with both goalkeepers making 4 saves each, but Hearts' Calvin Miller (100') and Rapid's Cvetkovic (119') traded goals before penalties. Hearts’ only tactical success was stifling Rapid’s xG potential despite being outpassed 754 to 349.
Ultimately, the shootout decided a match where Rapid’s profligacy (17 off-target shots) cost them – Jamie Altena, Rúnar Mato, and Sivert Gussiås Kerjota held their nerve from the spot when it mattered most.