Hearts will have to overturn a 4-0 deficit against Sturm Graz if they want to keep their UEFA Champions League dreams alive.
Despite suffering Scottish Premiership heartbreak on the final day of the season, the Jam Tarts had a fantastic campaign and earned a shot at reaching the Champions League proper courtesy of their highest top-flight finishing position for almost 20 years.
However, they found themselves on the receiving end of a thrashing at the hands of the five-time Austrian Bundesliga champions in the second qualification round.
The Scottish side now have a huge margin to overhaul when they welcome Sturm Graz to Tynecastle for the return leg.
Hearts are still 4/5 favourites to beat Sturm Graz back in front of their own fans, even given last week's result. The Jambos went unbeaten at home throughout the entirety of the 2025/26 league season and will surely put up a better fight now returning to familiar territory.
Wouter Vracken had a nightmare first competitive game in charge, but will have been pleased to watch his team register a 1-0 win over Raith Rovers three days later; even if it was just a friendly encounter.
Further improvement will be required if they are to avoid dropping into the Europa League where they face-off against either Benfica or St Gallen.
Hearts odds to qualify against Sturm Graz
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
