Dominant! Sturm Steamrolls Hearts in CL Qualifier First Leg

SK Sturm Graz has one foot in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Head coach Fabio Ingolitsch's team celebrates a 4-0 home victory in the clash of vice-champions against Heart of Midlothian FC from Scotland.

Captain Gorenc Stankovic (4th) and Mitchell (50th) both scored shortly after the start of each half, with further goals coming from youngster Weinhandl (53rd) and new signing Heil (59th).

The second leg will take place next Tuesday (8:45 PM in the LIVE ticker >>>) in Edinburgh, Scotland. If Sturm makes it to the third qualifying round, participation in the UEFA Europa League league phase is already secured.

Early Lead

Although Hearts initially had the better start, with Sturm goalkeeper Khudyakov being tested for the first time by a sharp cross after just a few moments (1st minute), the Graz side took the lead.

Mitchell delivered the ball with a throw-in to the six-yard box, where Captain Gorenc Stankovic rose highest to head it into the top right corner (4th minute).

Almost 2-0

The Scottish vice-champions remained active offensively, repeatedly managing to work their way into the final third with skillful play and putting Sturm under pressure.

But after a corner kick, Sturm almost celebrated a 2-0 lead: Gorenc Stankovic flicked the ball to the far post for Jatta, whose diving header from point-blank range hit the post (10th minute).

Hödl's shot from distance was deflected, and Schwolow saved with his foot (19th minute).

Defensively Unsteady, Penalty Overturned

In defense, the Bundesliga vice-champions showed significant problems in several situations.

The completely unmarked Kabore was played in by McEntee but failed to beat Khudyakov from close range (25th minute). A disastrous pass from Mitchell to Gorenc Stankovic landed with the Scots, and Kyziridis squandered the subsequent golden opportunity miserably (34th minute).

Shortly thereafter, a penalty alarm: Wlodarczyk's shot was blocked by Captain Milne, with the ball hitting his upper arm. Referee Gergo Bogar initially awarded a penalty, but after VAR consultation and reviewing the images, he overturned the decision.

Dream Start to the Second Half

As in the first half, the home vice-champions got off to a lightning start: Substitute Kiteishvili, who came on at half-time, took a corner to the far post, where Mitchell shook off his marker and bounced his header into the net (50th minute).

Sturm then scored a quickfire double: Hödl drove the ball forward on the counter, and after his pass, Wlodarczyk's shot attempt was blocked. The ball remained loose, and 17-year-old Weinhandl fired it in – celebrating his first Champions League goal (53rd minute).

With a 3-0 lead, Ingolitsch's team played with confidence, and the Graz fans were ready to cheer again three minutes later. However, Soglo's curling shot from the left side only hit the post (56th minute).

Heil Adds Another, Hödl Out Injured

In the 59th minute, Sturm already set the course for advancement. New signing Heil sprinted with the ball at his feet over half the pitch, played a one-two with Weinhandl, and successfully finished into the near corner in his first competitive match for the Graz side (59th minute).

The defensive uncertainties from the first 45 minutes seemed to be overcome as the match progressed, also because the Scots could not recover from the shock and could barely challenge Khudyakov.

The only downside: After 70 minutes, the outstanding Hödl had to leave the field injured (70th minute).