Hearts took a moment to relish their dramatic victory over Rapid Vienna, mocking Celtic’s recent European collapse after securing their place in this season’s Conference League. Just a day after Celtic squandered a four-goal lead against LASK in the Champions League play-offs, Hearts showcased resilience by overcoming a red card to Tomas Magnusson and emerging victorious in a penalty shoot-out.

The backdrop of this victory was poignant, as Celtic had narrowly edged out Hearts for the Premiership title on the last day of the previous season. Despite Celtic progressing to the Europa League, Hearts took to social media to cheekily remark:

Winning play-offs in Austria isn’t for everyone...

In their home leg at Tynecastle, Hearts had drawn 2-2 with Rapid, and the situation appeared dire when they went down to ten men after Magnusson received a second yellow card, trailing to Ercan Kara’s first-half goal. However, they rallied:

• Landry Kabore equalized, sending the match into extra time.
• Calvin Miller volleyed them ahead in the 100th minute.
• Rapid equalized late, forcing penalties as the aggregate score stood at 4-4.

In the decisive shoot-out, Beau Reus, Hearts' goalkeeper, emerged as the hero with two crucial saves, marking Hearts' third qualification for the Conference League in five seasons.

In stark contrast, Celtic captain Callum McGregor expressed disappointment following their defeat, acknowledging the team’s failure to capitalize on a 4-0 aggregate lead against LASK, which ended with a 5-1 loss after extra time. McGregor stated, "We got what we deserved," emphasizing the psychological toll of the match and the need for a more aggressive approach.