Rapid Wien plays 2:2 at Hearts in Conference League play-off first leg

Match flow and situation going forward

The situation ahead of the second leg is therefore open: a home win would see Rapid advance to the league phase, while a draw or a defeat would push the decision into extra time or a penalty shoot-out. The team under the new coach will do everything it can to make use of home advantage.

Rapid Wien, which missed out on qualification for the league phase last season, sees another chance at international success this campaign. The club has increasingly focused on young players in recent years and wants to make its mark in European competition with this strategy as well.

Rapid ahead of an important season

Heart of Midlothian, also known as "Hearts" in Scottish parlance, is one of Scotland's most traditional clubs and plays at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh. The club has repeatedly attempted to qualify for European competitions in recent years and sees this play-off round as an opportunity to secure a place in the Conference League.

The return leg will take place in a week's time at the Allianz Stadion in Hütteldorf. The Rapid coach and squad will prepare for an intense second match, as the Scots will travel with the away goal and plenty of confidence. The situation promises an exciting duel.

Hearts as opponents

For Rapid, the result means both disappointment over the two goals conceded and confidence from the two away goals scored. In international play-off matches, away goals carry particular value, as they can tip the balance when the goal aggregate is level.

The match in Edinburgh was largely even over long stretches, with both sides creating chances to score further. The intensity and the battles for the ball increased as the second half wore on, which also led to the consequential incident between Kabore and Dahl.

Outlook on the second leg

The draw for the Conference League group stage will take place immediately after all play-off ties are completed. Should Rapid come through this round successfully, it could face attractive international opponents.

Key players in the match were Matthias Seidl and Nikolaus Wurmbrand for Rapid, and James Wilson and Claudio Braga for Hearts. Both teams will make personnel adjustments for the second leg in order to score the decisive goals.

The atmosphere at Tynecastle Park was predictably heated, as the Scottish fans loudly backed their team. Rapid took to the pitch in its traditional green and white colours and was accompanied by around 2,000 travelling supporters.