“Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao turned the ball into his own net to level the match at 1-1, an unfortunate defensive error that handed Hearts an unexpected foothold in the tie.”
Pivotal“Substitute James Wilson, on the pitch for barely six minutes, converted a goal assisted by Claudio Braga to put Hearts 2-1 ahead and seemingly on course for a first-leg advantage.”
Pivotal“Nikolaus Wurmbrand, introduced minutes earlier from the bench, latched on to a Nicolas Bajlicz delivery from a corner to level at 2-2 and hand Rapid a crucial away goal heading into the second leg.”
Pivotal
Hearts
SK Rapid
Hearts were twice in front in this opening leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier but were ultimately pegged back in the closing stages, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Vienna. SK Rapid dominated possession — 61 percent to Hearts' 39 — and created the better quality chances, fashioning three big opportunities to Hearts' none, yet it was the Scottish side who looked the more clinical, registering 17 shots despite the territorial disadvantage. Rapid drew first blood through Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao, whose goal from a Matthias Seidl assist gave the Austrian side a 30th-minute lead, but the same player then deflected the ball into his own net just after the hour, handing Hearts parity before substitute James Wilson struck immediately to give the home side the lead. Rapid refused to buckle and responded through Nikolaus Wurmbrand, another substitute, who converted from close range in the 79th minute to restore parity, ensuring Rapid carry an away goal advantage into the second leg — a significant factor should the tie remain level after 90 minutes in Austria.
How entertaining was this match?
Yellow card shown to Amane Romeo.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
On comes Tomas Bent Magnusson, off goes Tom Renaud.
Nikolaus WurmbrandNikolaus Wurmbrand scores with a left-footed shot.
assist: Nicolas Bajlicz
Goal! Nikolaus Wurmbrand scores to make it 2-2, assisted by Nicolas Bajlicz.
Goal! Nikolaus Wurmbrand scores, bringing the match to 2-2.
Corner awarded.
Nicolas Bajlicz is on, and Tonni Adamsen is off.
Nikolaus Wurmbrand is on, and Petter Nosa Dahl is off.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
On comes Rogers Mato Kassim, off goes Joshua McPake.
Yellow card issued to Petter Nosa Dahl.
James WilsonJames Wilson scores with a right-footed shot.
assist: Cláudio Braga
Goal! James Wilson scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Claudio Braga.
Oisin McEntee takes a shot with his head but misses.
Corner awarded.
Goal! James Wilson scores, making it 2-1.
James Wilson replaces Pierre Kabore.
Goal! An own goal by Serge Raux Yao levels the score at 1-1.
James Wilson replaces Pierre Kabore.
Goal! An own goal by Serge Raux Yao levels the score at 1-1.
Goal! The score is now 1-1.
Claudio Braga receives a yellow card.
Matthias Seidl takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Joshua McPake takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Claudio Braga takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Tom Renaud takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
First half ends with the score at 0-1.
Pierre Kabore takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Claudio Braga takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Joshua McPake takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Stuart Findlay takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Goal! Serge Raux Yao scores to make it 0-1, assisted by Matthias Seidl.
Goal! Ercan Kara scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Matthias Seidl.
Goal! The score is now 0-1.
Corner awarded.
Tom Renaud takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Tom Renaud takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Bendeguz Bolla attempts a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Oisin McEntee takes a shot with his head, but it misses the target.
Matthias Seidl takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Joshua McPake takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Joshua McPake takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Petter Nosa Dahl's header is saved.
Kick-off! The referee is Manfredas Lukjancukas.
Outstanding performance
Hearts•Midfielder
