Hearts thrashed in Champions League qualifier

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Sturm Graz 4 - 0 Hearts

Wouter Vrancken's reign as Hearts head coach began in the worst fashion as his side slumped to a damaging defeat in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

Author | Ben A

Stadium | Stadion Graz-Liebenau

After missing out on the Scottish title in the closing moments of last season, the Edinburgh club were making their first appearance in the competition since 2006, but the occasion quickly unravelled.

Sturm Graz took the lead after just four minutes when Jon Gorenc Stankovic rose highest to head home from a long throw. Hearts responded positively for a spell, however.

Pierre Landry Kabore and Alexandros Kyziridis both squandered excellent opportunities, moments that proved increasingly costly as the match wore on.

Watch | Highlights from Premier Sports

Early in the second half, Sturm doubled their advantage from a corner as defender Jeyland Mitchell was left unmarked to tap home after poor defending at the set-piece.

Three soon became four as Hearts fell apart defensively.

A lapse at the back allowed 17-year-old Luca Weinhandl to score with the help of a deflection before Jurgen Heil strode into the penalty area and fired past the goalkeeper to complete the rout.

Hearts return to Tynecastle for next Tuesday's second leg facing a daunting task. At least they won't have to play in front of their fans again though.

Their hopes of reaching the next stage of the Champions League are now hanging by a thread, with Portuguese giants Benfica or Swiss side St Gallen awaiting in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Location: Graz, Austria

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