Rapid Vienna bring an unbeaten run into the second leg against Heart Of Midlothian, and the contrast in form is hard to miss. Rapid have won eight and drawn one of their nine competitive fixtures at the start of 2026-27. Hearts have lost all three away games this term and conceded 12 goals in those matches. The tie is level after the 2-2 first leg in Scotland.
Rapid Vienna's start at home
Rapid's numbers are the stronger side of the draw. They have not lost in nine competitive games, and that kind of start gives them a decent platform in Vienna. Their previous round wins also showed control, with a 9-3 aggregate victory over Santa Coloma followed by a 6-1 aggregate win over Paide Linnameeskond.
Hearts can point to one thing that keeps them in the tie. They took 17 shots to Rapid's nine in the first leg, which suggests they were not overrun even if the result ended level. Sports Mole also backed Hearts to build on that threat, with their preview saying they were the more threatening team throughout the first leg.
Hearts' route back into the tie
The away record is the problem Hearts must solve. Three away defeats and 12 goals conceded is a rough base to take into Vienna, especially against a side that has opened the season so cleanly. That said, James Wilson has scored in each of his last two substitute appearances, including in the first leg, and that form gives Hearts a live attacking edge.
Sports Mole's preview also said Wilson could lead the line alongside Claudio Braga on Tuesday. Johannes Thorup has a decision to make there, because Hearts need more than one forward carrying the threat if they want to turn the first-leg draw into something better.
The tie is still balanced, but Rapid Vienna have the stronger numbers going in. Hearts have already shown they can create chances against them, and Wilson's finishing form gives them a route to test that unbeaten start again in Vienna.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
