Hearts will play in the Europa Conference League group stage after a 3-1 aggregate loss against Swiss champions FC Zurich in the Europa League play-offs, which was confirmed with a 1-0 second leg defeat at Tynecastle.
Alan Forrest had the game's first big chance and was left wondering how goalkeeper Yanick Brecher denied him from levelling the tie following a 2-1 defeat in the first leg after a superb long-range effort. Kye Rowles was next to try his luck and Barrie McKay was lobbing ball after ball into Zurich's box in search of that crucial goal.
Liam Boyce somehow headed over the bar as Hearts were left with 45 minutes to score at least once for extra-time and twice for victory. That task turned south when Jorge Grant was deemed to have dived in the box and sent off for a second booking. That proved costly as slowly momentum was lost and Fabian Rohner scored a crucial opener on the night for Zurich to send them through. Here's how we rated the Jambos in Europa League action as they look to tomorrow's draw in the tier below.
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READ MORE: Hearts player ratings vs FC Zurich as Swiss champions take slender lead into Tynecastle Euro return
Craig Gordon - 6
Didn't have anything to do in the first 45 but stood tall whenever the Swiss champions pressed after their big boost. Little he could do about the goal.
Stephen Kingsley - 7
Quiet night up until Grant's red card and then he was called upon. Good sliding challenge to deny a chance
Michael Smith- 7
Mr Reliable back to his usual standards after taking a couple games to get up to speed. Used all his experience to ensure little Zurich joy in attack.
Alex Cochrane - 7
Got up and down the left all night and defended comfortably with Zurich not throwing too much at Hearts before the red.
Jorge Grant - 5
Was playing well before he was deemed to have dived and sent off for a second booking. His team were on top when sent packing.
Lawrence Shankland - 6
Quiet night in terms of chances for him as those on the flanks provided the clear cut shots on goal. Battled away.
Alan Forrest - 7
Lots of mazy runs and caused the Zurich defence havoc in the first half. Very unlucky not to score but began to fade once the away side had a man advantage.
Cammy Devlin - 8
A super display from him in the middle, winning every ball, and any battles he did lose were amended for within seconds. Looked comfortable at this level.
Kye Rowles - 7
Few nice passes out from the back and was a threat at both ends of the back. Up against it after the hour mark.
Barrie McKay - 7
Regularly Hearts' key man and was one of them again. Looks a cut above technically but was found wanting with a few crosses.
Liam Boyce - 6
Frustrating night for the versatile Northern Irishman. Got in all the right areas but end product was lacking, missing a big header at the end of the first half.
Peter Haring - 5
Subbed on to steady the ship and did so very well in trying circumstances.
Josh Ginnelly - 4
Subbed on to provide attacking threat but the man disadvantage limited his chances.
Toby Sibbick - 2
Another brought on to steady the ship but was undercooked when Zurich came forward to score, beaten two times over before they netted.
Connor Smith - 2
A rare outing for the youngster who was given European experience.
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