Hearts lost 2-0 against Celtic in their latest Premiership match ahead of their massive European tie with Swiss champions FC Zurich.
A heavily rotated team was fielded by manager Robbie Neilson and number two goalkeeper Ross Stewart was picking the ball out of his net after 13 minutes when Kyogo Furuhashi once again netted against Hearts. Celtic proceeded to dominate early proceedings and carved open their visitors time and time again as a second goal looked a case of when not if.
A Europa League play-off second leg with FC Zurich, where they need to overturn a 2-1 deficit, at Tynecastle this Thursday coming was clearly on the Hearts minds after they made seven changes. Celtic meanwhile were at full strength and did enough damage to achieve victory alongside a Giorgos Giakoumakis goal, but were frustrated by those in maroon after falling short of their best, who ended proceedings with nine men after Alex Cochrane and Toby Sibbick dismissals. Here are three things we learned as the Edinburgh club sit on seven points from four games.
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READ MORE: Hearts player ratings vs FC Zurich as Swiss champions take slender lead into Tynecastle Euro return
Eyes elsewhere
It was obvious that Neilson had Thursday's massive night in his head when selecting his team for action in Glasgow's east end.
Players subbed in like Andy Halliday did well but ultimately a team short on 90 minute appearances were always up against it versus a full tilt Celtic team. That said, they frustrated the champions and put in a solid display.
Europa insight?
While this game is quickly going to be confined to the history books, it did give an insight into who could feature on a big night this coming Thursday.
Michael Smith was rested which might suggest he will be involved while Lawrence Shankland and Barrie McKay will no doubt come back into the fold.
Kyogo danger
The Japanese forward isn't a player the Jambos have worked out how to deal with since his move to Scotland last year. He's now netted four times in games against Hearts.
He is constantly the go to man in attack for Celtic in these games and a rotated maroon backline were given a tough time by him, Jota and the rest of the home attacking ensemble.
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