Raux-Yao's goal and own goal keep Rapid alive in Edinburgh
Under the floodlights of Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, Rapid’s centre‑back Serge‑Philippe Raux‑Yao became the unlikely protagonist, opening the scoring with a header in the 30th minute only to level the match with an own‑goal twelve minutes later, leaving the play‑off first leg deadlocked.
Wurmbrand’s late strike
Substitute Nikolaus "Joker" Wurmbrand restored Rapid’s advantage in the 79th minute, firing a sharp angled shot that found the back of the Hearts net and kept the green‑white chances alive for the league phase.
Thorup’s tactical plan
Coach Johannes Hoff Thorup stuck with the same starting eleven that had produced an 8‑0 victory against GAK, trusting the squad’s defensive shape and pressing intensity.
Hearts, the Scottish vice‑champion, pressed early and forced two saves from Rapid goalkeeper Niklas Hedl, while their keeper Beau Reus denied Rapid on two occasions.
The match saw rapid transitions, with Rapid breaking the press twice to create clear chances, though a central effort from captain Matthias Seidl was saved and a volley from Bendeguz Bolla was parried.
Photographer Fred Palmer captured the atmosphere as the crowd roared after each goal, highlighting the significance of the play‑off first leg in Edinburgh.
With the score tied, the second leg in Vienna on Wednesday at 18.45 Uhr remains open, offering Rapid a chance to improve their starting position for the Conference League league phase.
After the match, Thorup said, "Overall we showed a good performance… the result is acceptable for us, but the players have the ambition to achieve more." Wurmbrand added, "We played well in the last 20 minutes and if we keep that level we can beat the opponent on Wednesday." Seidl noted, "The 2‑2 was important; we wanted a win to make the return leg easier, but it’s not a wish concert." Goalkeeper Hedl concluded, "The match will stay in memory, the atmosphere was superb. With a 2‑2 we still have a chance, now we must regenerate and give full gas on Wednesday."