Hearts Must Capitalize on Tynecastle Advantage After Narrow Europa League Deficit

 


Hearts Must Capitalize on Tynecastle Advantage After Narrow Europa League Deficit

Hearts manager Steven Naismith has urged his team to make the most of their home advantage at Tynecastle as they look to overturn a first-leg deficit against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

Despite a solid defensive performance and the chance to secure a valuable goalless draw in the Czech Republic, Hearts' hopes were dashed late in the game when Daniel Oyegoke inadvertently scored an own goal. Plzen’s Cadu delivered a dangerous cross that struck Oyegoke's thigh and ended up in the back of the net.

"We've got to use that home advantage next week," Naismith told BBC Scotland. "There are lots of positives. We're disappointed because 0-0 would have given us a slight advantage going into the second leg."

Naismith is counting on the passionate support at Tynecastle to lift his team, who will need to create more scoring opportunities to overcome the deficit. Hearts showed promising signs of growth during the match, managing to match their experienced Czech opponents blow for blow.

Lawrence Shankland had two attempts saved from the edge of the box just before half-time, and Kenneth Vargas missed two chances that could have altered the course of the game. Despite the missed opportunities, Hearts' defense played a crucial role in keeping the scoreline close.

Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, now Hearts’ record appearance holder in European competitions at 41, made key saves to deny Milan Havel and Pavel Sulc. Additionally, Jorge Grant cleared a goal-bound shot off the line, while centre-backs Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley made critical blocks.

A goalless draw would have put Hearts in a strong position to advance to the main draw of Europe’s second-tier competition for the first time in two decades. However, Oyegoke’s late mistake has made the task more challenging.

Hearts will now turn their attention to the return leg at a raucous Tynecastle next Thursday. They can take solace in the fact that they have already secured a place in the Conference League for the second time in three seasons, providing a consolation should they fall short in their quest for Europa League progression.