Hearts' shootout triumph sends Celtic to Europa League

Hearts secured a place in the Conference League main phase after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out win over Rapid Vienna, while Celtic’s collapse in the Champions League play‑offs relegated the Scottish champions to the Europa League for the upcoming season again.

Hearts clinch Conference League spot

The Edinburgh side overcame a 10‑man disadvantage after midfielder Tomas Magnusson received a second yellow card while trailing to Ercan Kara’s first‑half goal. Landry Kabore equalised, forcing extra time, and Calvin Miller volleyed Hearts ahead in the 100th minute. Rapid Vienna levelled the aggregate in the dying moments, sending the tie to penalties.

Goalkeeper Beau Reus made two crucial saves in the shoot‑out, and Hearts prevailed, marking their third Conference League qualification in five seasons.

Hearts had drawn 2‑2 with Rapid at Tynecastle a week earlier, a result that had left their European hopes hanging by a thread before the red‑card incident.

Celtic’s Europa League fate

Celtic entered the Champions League play‑offs against Austrian side LASK with a 4‑0 aggregate lead, courtesy of Callum McGregor’s 18‑yard strike in the 21st minute. The team surrendered the advantage, losing 5‑1 after extra time and sliding into the Europa League.

The defeat carries a financial impact estimated at a minimum of £20 million for the Glasgow club. Wouter Vrancken’s side had previously suffered heavy defeats to Sturm Graz and Benfica in earlier qualifying rounds.

“We got what we deserved,” McGregor told Amazon Prime. “I thought we were so passive… all night. We actually looked scared to go and win the game, and when you are 3‑0 up it’s psychological.”

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