Rapid misses Conference League after penalty shootout loss to Hearts

Rapid Vienna has missed out on a third consecutive appearance in the Conference League group stage, suffering a dramatic exit in their playoff tie against Heart of Midlothian. The Austrian club let a crucial lead slip away in the second leg of their encounter.

Playing at home, Rapid took a 1-0 lead through Ercan Kara in the 35th minute. The situation appeared to improve further when their opponents were reduced to ten men. However, Rapid conceded two goals, putting them in a precarious position.

Nenad Cvetkovic managed to score a late equalizer in the 119th minute of extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. It was in the shootout that Rapid's hopes were dashed. The "joker" substitutions, Moulaye Haidara and Marco Tilio, both missed their spot-kicks, sealing Rapid's elimination from the competition.

The defeat marks a significant disappointment for Rapid, who were aiming to build on their previous European campaigns. The manner of the loss, squandering a lead and an advantage in players, will likely be a source of frustration for the club and its supporters.