**Hearts 0-2 Heidenheim: Report & Player Ratings**

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Hearts 0-2 Heidenheim: Report & Player Ratings

Hearts suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat at home to Heidenheim in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off round tie. The German side, known for their attacking prowess, dominated possession and ultimately secured a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.

Heidenheim's Clinical Finishing Seals the Deal

Heidenheim started the game brightly, pressing high and forcing Hearts into a series of defensive errors. Their dominance was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Marvin Pieringer slotted home from close range after a scramble in the penalty area. Hearts struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half, with their attacking play lacking the usual spark.

The second half saw Hearts try to get back into the game, but Heidenheim remained a constant threat on the counter-attack. Their second goal arrived in the 77th minute, with Tim Kleindienst calmly finishing off a swift break. The German side held on comfortably in the closing stages, ensuring a comfortable lead ahead of the second leg.

Hearts' Offensive Woes Continue

Hearts' inability to create chances was a major factor in their defeat. While they enjoyed a slight edge in terms of possession, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The absence of key striker Lawrence Shankland due to injury was keenly felt, with the replacements failing to make the desired impact.

Player Ratings:

Hearts:

• Gordon (GK) - 6: Made a few decent saves but was ultimately powerless to prevent the two goals.
• Coyle (RB) - 5: Struggled defensively and offered little going forward.
• Haring (CB) - 6: Solid in the air but caught out at times by Heidenheim's pacey attacks.
• Cochrane (CB) - 5: Looked shaky in possession and was caught out of position for the second goal.
• Smith (LB) - 6: Put in a tireless effort but couldn't provide the attacking spark needed.
• Grant (CM) - 5: Struggled to impose himself in midfield and offered little creativity.
• Neilson (CM) - 6: Worked hard but couldn't influence the game enough.
• Forrest (RM) - 5: Offered little going forward and was substituted at half-time.
• Mackay (AM) - 6: Showed glimpses of promise but lacked the final touch in the final third.
• Baningime (LM) - 5: Struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the second half.
• Boyle (ST) - 5: Worked hard but lacked the composure and quality in front of goal.

Heidenheim:

• Müller (GK) - 7: Made a couple of important saves to keep Hearts at bay.
• Schindler (RB) - 7: Provided a constant threat going forward and was solid defensively.
• Busch (CB) - 7: Strong in the air and marshalled the defence well.
• Dickert (CB) - 7: Solid performance alongside Busch, helped to keep Hearts at bay.
• Sohm (LB) - 7: Provided a good outlet down the left flank and was involved in the build-up to the second goal.
• Dorsch (CM) - 8: Dominated the midfield and controlled the tempo of the game.
• Theuerkauf (CM) - 7: Worked hard in midfield and provided a good platform for Heidenheim's attacks.
• Pieringer (RW) - 8: Scored the opening goal and was a constant menace to Hearts' defence.
• Kleindienst (ST) - 8: A clinical finisher, scored Heidenheim's second goal and was a constant threat.
• Brenner (LW) - 7: Worked hard and created several chances for his teammates.
• Krauß (sub) - 7: Energetic performance off the bench.

Looking Ahead

Hearts face a daunting task in the second leg in Germany. They will need to find a way to improve their attacking performance and tighten up defensively if they are to overturn the deficit. The German side will be confident of progressing after a dominant display in the first leg.

This defeat is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Hearts as they look to make a mark in European competition. They will need to find a way to improve their consistency and overcome their offensive woes if they are to achieve success on the continental stage.