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Rapid vs Hearts: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

⚽ Europe Conference League · Europe · 26 August 2026
Rapid logoRapid
2:2
1st half: 1:0
26.08.2026 17:45
Hearts logoHearts

Match events

18′
🟨Oisín McEntee
Ercan Kara1:0⚽
34′
41′
🟨Tomas Bent Magnusson
59′
🟨Claudio Braga
Matthias Seidl🟨
74′
76′
🟨🟥Tomas Bent Magnusson
79′
⚽1:1Pierre Kabore
86′
🟨Pierre Kabore
Bendeguz Bolla🟨
90′
93′
🟨
100′
⚽1:2Kelvin Miller
Kouadio Ange Ahoussou🟨
115′
Nenad Cvetkovic2:2⚽
119′

Match statistics: Rapid vs Hearts

RapidHearts
0.84xG (expected goals)0.1
71Ball possession, %29
10Shots1
3Shots on target1
13Corners6
20Fouls18
2Offsides0
3Yellow cards3
0Red cards1
158Attacks88
89Dangerous attacks48

💡 Match preview Rapid vs Hearts

By Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups

The first leg between Rapid Vienna and Hearts ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that slightly favors the Austrian side but still leaves the Scottish visitors with plenty of hope. Rapid twice took the lead in Edinburgh, yet Hearts fought back to level, and the tie remains wide open. Now, with the return match in Vienna, the hosts will lean on their passionate home support to push them over the line—but can the Glasgow side show the same resilience and snatch progression?

Tactical Analysis: Rapid Vienna – Home Fortress and Lethal Attack

Rapid are riding a wave of impressive form. Before the first leg, they had won 11 matches in a row across all competitions, including pre-season friendlies. Even away from home, they looked the more assertive side in the opening 45 minutes, dominating possession and deservedly leading 1-0 at half-time. The second half saw Hearts capitalise on defensive mistakes and turn the game around, but Rapid showed character, equalising through Nikolaus Wurmbrand in the 79th minute.

Their home record is particularly intimidating. In the most recent domestic outing, Rapid thrashed GAK 8-0, displaying clinical finishing and relentless pressure throughout. In the Conference League qualifiers, they swept aside Paide with two convincing wins (4-1 and 2-0). Squad depth also plays a key role. In the first leg, coach Johannes Hoff Thorup introduced Wurmbrand and Nicolas Bilic from the bench, and the injection of energy led to the equaliser. On home soil, Rapid will have even more control over the tempo and can rotate more effectively. The injury list is lengthy—Schöller, Vincze, Ndzié, Nuno, and Mbu are all out—but their absence hasn't hurt the team's results so far, and the core remains strong.

Tactical Analysis: Hearts – Dangerous Attack, Fragile Defence

Hearts can be satisfied with the first-leg outcome. Although they led briefly in the second half, they made the most of limited chances, creating only 0.60 xG. Still, they couldn't hold the lead. The attacking side of their game is clearly in good shape. In the previous domestic round, they crushed Dundee 4-0, and days earlier they hammered Inverness 6-2 in the League Cup. Creating chances is not a problem.

Defensively, however, the picture is less rosy. The two goals conceded to Inverness can be partly excused by squad rotation, but the memory of a 6-1 thrashing at Benfica in the Europa League still lingers. Hearts also managed to postpone a league match, giving them the same preparation time as Rapid. In Vienna, they will have to withstand sustained pressure for 90 minutes. With the score at 2-2 from the first leg, they cannot simply sit back and defend—they need to score, which opens up the game.

Predicted Lineups

Rapid Vienna (4-2-3-1): Hedl – Bolla, Cvetković, Rø, Horn – Seidl, Amane – Demir, Adamsen, Djal – Kara

Out: Schöller, Vincze, Ndzié, Nuno, Mbu (all injured) Coach: Johannes Thorup

Hearts (4-2-3-1): Royce – Altena, McEntee, Findlay, McCart – Rennod, Spittal – Miller, Braga, McKay – Kabore

Out: Halkett (injured) Coach: Wouter Vrancken

Referee: Elchin Masiyev (Azerbaijan)

Masiyev has officiated 10 Conference League matches, averaging 4.2 yellow cards and 24.5 fouls per game. He has previous experience with both clubs in this competition. In the 2022/23 season, he showed three yellow cards in Rapid's clash with Legia Warsaw, and two years prior, he also issued three bookings in a match between Cercle Brugge and Hearts.

Prediction and Bet

Main prediction: Rapid Vienna to win at 1.57

The Austrian side inspires more confidence in this tie. They already controlled large portions of the first leg away from home, and now they have the advantage of their own stadium. Before the Edinburgh trip, Rapid had won 11 consecutive games, and they had a full week to prepare for the return leg, just like their opponents. Hearts can cause problems on the counter, but their finishing may not be as sharp as in the first leg, and Rapid are unlikely to let the match go to penalties. Expect the hosts to start aggressively, build a lead, and use the home crowd to secure a victory.

Total goals prediction: Over 2.5 goals at 1.61

The first leg already showcased a high-scoring affair, with four goals and the game opening up after the break. Recent form supports this trend. In four of Rapid's last five matches, three or more goals were scored. Hearts have an identical record, including the 6-1 loss to Benfica and big domestic wins (6-2, 4-0). Both teams are currently in good creative rhythm, so backing over 2.5 goals looks solid.

Babatunde Sowole
Babatunde Sowole
Football Expert on European & South American Cups

Babatunde Sowole has been closely monitoring international club competitions for over a decade, with a particular focus on the Conference League, Europa League, and Copa Sudamericana. In his analysis, he prioritizes squad depth, tactical adjustments, and fixture congestion, believing these factors often outweigh raw statistics. His approach to predictions is grounded in studying team form and head-to-head trends, avoiding overreliance on single-match data.

All articles by this author →

The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.

Probable lineups: Rapid vs Hearts

Rapid logoRapid4-2-3-1
Hedl
HornRoeCvetkovicBolla
AmaneSeidl
DahlAdamsenDemir
Kara
Out of squad:Scholler · InjuryVinche · InjuryNdzie · InjuryNuno · InjuryMbui · Injury
Hearts logoHearts4-2-3-1
Reus
McCutFindlayMcEnteeAltena
SpittalRenod
McPakeBragaMiller
Kaboré
Out of squad:Halkett · Injury

Match odds Rapid vs Hearts

Result (1X2)

X4.411.5724.95

Double chance

1X1.16X22.33121.19

Both teams to score

No2.08Yes1.65

Over

21.2331.9743.8558.31.51.142.51.613.52.54.54.555.59.1

Under

23.5631.7141.1951.021.54.42.52.263.51.424.51.135.51.01

Handicap 1

01.2-11.97-24.1-1.52.52-2.54.95

Handicap 2

03.7211.7721.161.51.422.51.11

Correct score

0:018.50:115.250:2301:07.51:17.51:214.251:3432:07.92:17.22:2142:3413:0123:111.53:220.54:0244:1234:243

To qualify

11.2823.34

Predictions for Rapid vs Hearts

UA Usman Abubakar Team 2 over 2odds 9.90 Lost

The first leg between Rapid and Hearts was a chaotic 2-2 draw, with 26 total shots, both teams leading at various points, and an own goal from Rapid defender Raux-Yao that equalised for Hearts. Rapid are on a 16-game unbeaten run (13 wins, 3 draws) and have scored at least once in 13 of their last 17 home matches. However, their defence is a recurring weakness — they've conceded at least one goal in 14 of their last 20 games and at least two in 10 of their last 23. That defensive vulnerability, combined with the open nature of the first match, makes me expect another high-scoring contest, possibly even a 3-3 draw.

Hearts made headlines in Scotland last season by finishing second ahead of Rangers, earning a Champions League qualifying spot. But they were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by Sturm Graz (0‑4, 0‑2) and then from the Europa League qualifiers by Benfica (1‑6, 1‑1). A third straight qualifying failure would be a clear disappointment. Given Rapid's defensive issues and the offensive firepower Hearts can bring, I'm backing the visitors to score more than two goals — the 9.90 odds reflect the unpredictability, but the trends support it.

MA Musa Adewale Over 3.5odds 2.42 Lost

Rapid and Hearts are going to produce a high-scoring affair, so I'm backing over 3.5 goals. The odds of 2.42 look solid for this Conference League clash on August 26th.

SA Sani Abdullahi Team 2 over 1odds 2.14 Void

Hearts are a solid bet to score at least once in this Conference League match, and I wouldn't be surprised if they bag a couple. Their attacking threat should be enough to get past Rapid's defense, so I'm backing them to net over one goal at 2.14.

YT Yusuf Tanko Under 2.5odds 2.30 Won

Rapid and Hearts meet in the Conference League, and I’m expecting a tight, low-scoring affair. After the goal-fest in the first leg, this return match is likely to be much more cautious and defensive. Both sides will be wary of conceding early, which should lead to a slow, tactical battle.

That’s why I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 2.30. The odds are generous for a game that has all the makings of a grind, not a shootout.

OA Olusegun Ademola Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.64 Won

Rapid and Hearts are both looking sharp heading into this Conference League match. I'm expecting goals from both sides, so the 'Both Teams to Score' bet at 1.64 makes a lot of sense here.

KO Kunle Okafor Team 1 over 2odds 2.06 Lost

Rapid look the more aggressive team at home, and I’m confident they’ll put two goals past Hearts in the Conference League. The over 2 goals for Rapid at 2.06 is a solid play here.

WN Wale Nwachukwu Over 3.5odds 2.47 Pending

Rapid and Hearts in the Conference League are set for a goal-heavy encounter. I'm confident the total will clear 3.5 goals, and the 2.47 price makes it a solid play.

OG Obinna Garba Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid are clearly the stronger side in this Conference League matchup, and I expect them to dominate from start to finish. A win by at least two goals feels well within reach, which makes the handicap of -1.5 at 2.52 a very solid play.

S shark_king Team 1 over 2.5odds 2.79 Pending

Rapid are hosting Hearts in the Conference League, and I fancy the hosts to rack up at least three goals. Their attacking play at home should punish the defensive mistakes Hearts consistently make. That's why I'm backing Rapid to score over 2.5 goals at 2.79.

SA Sunday Afolabi Team 1 over 2.5odds 2.79 Lost

Rapid’s home form this season has been nothing short of dominant — four wins in four matches, with 17 goals scored. Hearts, meanwhile, have already been knocked out of the Champions League and Europa League, and their Conference League campaign looks set to follow the same path after a 2-2 draw at home in the first leg. The Austrian side clearly have the edge, and I expect them to put this tie to bed with a convincing performance.

Given Rapid’s attacking output at home and Hearts’ defensive struggles in continental competition, I’m backing the hosts to score at least three goals. The odds of 2.79 make it a worthwhile bet.

CL Chinedu Lamido Result: 1odds 1.56 Pending

Rapid’s 2-2 draw away from home puts them in a strong position to advance. I’m backing them to seal the deal with a home win.

AS Abubakar Salami Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.38 Pending

Rapid and Hearts meet in the Conference League, and I expect both sides to find the net at least once in the opening 45 minutes. The first half should see over 1.5 goals, which offers solid value at 2.38.

IW Ibrahim Waziri Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.64 Pending

Both teams scoring is the clear call in this Rapid vs Hearts Conference League clash. I expect each side to find the net, making the "Yes" on both teams to score a solid pick at 1.64.

OA Olusegun Amadi Result: 1odds 1.56 Pending

Rapid is the stronger side here, and I see their win as the natural outcome for this Conference League clash. There’s a clear gap in quality, so backing the home team straight up makes sense.

CO Chukwuma Okoro Team 2 over 0.5odds 1.42 Pending
EA Emmanuel Adamu Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid have the quality to put on an attacking display for their home fans in this Conference League clash. I'm backing them to win by a margin of at least two goals.

JA Joseph Adekunle Corners: Team 1 under 5.5odds 1.90 Pending

Rapid’s corner count in this Conference League match is a clear angle. Hearts have held their last 10 opponents to five or fewer corners in every single game. That’s a perfect 10-out-of-10 record, which makes the under 5.5 line for Rapid look very solid. The data is consistent and leaves little room for doubt.

A aceboss_98 Under 3.5odds 1.43 Pending

This match in the Conference League between Rapid and Hearts is shaping up to be a low-scoring affair. Under 3.5 total goals is the clear call here — I don’t expect more than three across the full 90 minutes.

AE Aliyu Ekwueme Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Lost

For this Conference League clash between Rapid and Hearts, the play is on the hosts with a -1.5 handicap. At 2.52, that's the value I'm backing.

SI Sunday Ibe Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid hosting Hearts in the Conference League — I expect the home side to put on a dominant performance and win by at least two goals. That's why I'm taking the -1.5 handicap at 2.52.

ES Emmanuel Sani Over 2.5odds 1.61 Pending

Rapid and Hearts have a history of high-scoring matches, and I expect more of the same in this Conference League clash. Both teams are capable of finding the net, which makes the over 2.5 goals market a solid pick at 1.61. Based on the attacking styles on display, I'm confident we'll see at least three goals, with Rapid likely to edge out a win.

CA Chinedu Adamu Team 1 over 2odds 2.07 Pending

The odds of 2.07 for Rapid to score more than two goals look appealing here. After both teams traded two goals in the first leg, the hosts should be confident at home with their attacking form. I'm backing Rapid to clear the 2.5 team total line.

CA Chinedu Abubakar Both teams to score — Noodds 2.10 Pending

Rapid's home form in the Conference League has been rock solid, and I don't see Hearts breaking through here. The Austrian side has the defensive discipline to keep a clean sheet, especially against a team that struggles to score on the road. With the odds at 2.10, backing both teams not to score is the clear play—Rapid controls the tempo and won't let this slip at home.

DL David L. Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.36 Pending

Let's look at the stats for Rapid against Hearts. The numbers clearly point to goals in the opening 45 minutes.

More than a third of Rapid's home matches this season have hit the over on this exact line, with two of their last three seeing at least two first-half goals. Hearts follow a similar pattern on the road, with seven of their last 11 away games producing the same result. Given how consistently both sides start games offensively, backing over 1.5 goals in the first half is the smart play.

KA Kayode Anyanwu Both teams to score — Noodds 2.10 Lost

The first leg between Rapid and Hearts was a goal-heavy affair. The return fixture will be a much tighter, lower-scoring contest. I'm backing both teams to fail to score this time.

AW Anthony Waziri Result: 1odds 1.56 Pending

Rapid have the edge here, and I'm backing them to get the job done. With home advantage and a stronger squad on paper, they should control this Conference League tie against Hearts. The odds at 1.56 reflect that confidence, and I see no reason to look elsewhere.

This is a straightforward call for me—Rapid to win. Hearts will put up a fight, but the Austrian side's quality and momentum make them the clear pick in this matchup.

S stat_bull Team 1 over 2.5odds 2.83 Pending

Rapid to score at least three goals? At 2.83, that's a price worth taking. The hosts are facing Hearts in the Conference League, and I'm convinced the attacking output will be there. This is a clear over 2.5 for the home side — no hesitation. Let's get it done.

AK Anthony Kalu Team 1 over 2odds 2.07 Lost

Rapid have been absolutely ruthless this season—eight wins from nine matches, with only a draw away to Hearts blemishing the record. The scoring output is staggering: they've netted fewer than two goals just once, averaging 3.44 per game. All key players—Kara, Dahl, Seidl, Bolla—are still here, plus they added the prolific Adamsen and are integrating young talents like Haidara and Wurmbrand. At home, they're overwhelming favorites, especially given how badly Hearts struggle on the road.

Hearts are a shadow of last season's title challengers. Rangers gutted them—took the entire coaching staff, top scorer Shankland, midfielder Devlin, and goalkeeper Shwolov moved to Mainz. They're a home team that consistently falls apart away: already lost 0-4 to Sturm in Austria this season, and their other two away trips ended in defeats with at least two goals conceded. In the first leg, Rapid could've buried the tie by halftime with two clear chances, but an own goal and a freak long-range strike from Wilson saved Hearts. That luck won't hold in Vienna. Rapid dominated away; at home they'll be even more aggressive. Against this weak Hearts defense, I see no way they score fewer than two.

MS Michael Salami Over 3.5odds 2.47 Pending

Rapid and Hearts meet in the Conference League, and I’m backing over 3.5 goals at 2.47. Both sides have the firepower to push this past the four-goal mark, and neither defense looks sturdy enough to keep it tight. Expect an open game where the chances pile up—this bet should cash comfortably.

YO Yemi Obi Result: 1odds 1.57 Pending

Rapid's away display in Scotland was encouraging. Back on home soil, I'm confident they'll raise their game and take all three points.

MO Michael Onyeka Team 1 over 2.5odds 2.83 Pending

Rapid should raise their game on home soil and rack up at least three goals. That's why I'm taking the over 2.5 team total at 2.83.

ON Oluwaseun Nnaji Team 1 over 1.5odds 1.56 Pending

Backing Rapid to score at least two goals in this Conference League home match. At their own ground, they should have the quality to secure a comfortable victory, and I expect them to find the net more than once.

VI Victor Ibe Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Hearts? I don't even know who they are. Rapid should win comfortably, and I'm backing them with a -1.5 handicap at 2.52.

UW Usman Waziri Handicap 1 (-1)odds 1.97 Pending

Rapid already had the edge over Hearts away from home, so on their own pitch that advantage should be even clearer. I’m taking the hosts with a -1 handicap at 1.97 — the gap in class looks big enough to cover it.

OO Obinna Onyeka Double chance: X2odds 2.35 Pending

Rapid and Hearts look evenly matched to me, so I'm backing the double chance X2 at 2.35. I expect this game to go to extra time.

BO Biodun Ojo Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid are consistently strong on home turf, and that makes the -1.5 handicap an appealing angle here. I'm taking that line at 2.52.

IE Ifeanyi Emenike Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.65 Pending

Rapid versus Hearts — I’m backing both teams to get on the scoresheet here. The visitors have netted in their last five Conference League matches on the road, and Rapid have scored in seven consecutive competitive home games. Given those patterns, a goal apiece looks highly likely, so I’m taking the “Yes” on both teams to score at 1.65.

SO Sunday Ojo To qualify: 1odds 1.28 Pending

Rapid will qualify against Hearts in this Conference League clash. The 1.28 price is a fair reflection of their edge – I expect them to get the job done without much fuss.

OS Oluwaseun Sani Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.38 Pending

The first half of this Rapid versus Hearts Conference League clash is priced at 2.38 for over 1.5 goals, and I'm backing it. That's a solid value for a bet that should hit more often than the odds suggest.

FM Femi Madu Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.38 Pending

At 2.38, over 1.5 goals in the first half of Rapid vs Hearts is a strong call. I expect at least two before the break.

NM Nnamdi Madu Handicap 1 (-1)odds 1.97 Pending

Rapid handled themselves well on the road against Hearts, and now with home advantage, they’re set to take full control of this match. I see them dictating the tempo from the start and comfortably securing the win by more than one goal. The handicap of -1 at nearly even money is the clear play here.

OO Obinna Obiora Double chance: X2odds 2.33 Pending

Rapid and Hearts clash in the Conference League, and I'm going with the double chance on the visitors or a draw at 2.33. Another draw feels like the right call here — that's my pick.

FO Femi Olaniyan Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid’s form is clearly superior to Hearts’ at the moment, and I see a comfortable win by at least two goals. That’s why I’m backing the home side with a -1.5 handicap at 2.52 — the gap in quality should be decisive in this Conference League clash.

YL Yusuf Lawal Team 1 over 2odds 2.07 Lost

Hearts were absolutely terrible last time out, and I don't see them doing any better here. Rapid will be all over them again, so I'm backing the hosts to rack up over 2 goals at 2.07 — that's great value against a side that keeps leaking chances.

BA Babatunde Afolabi Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Let’s not overthink this one. Rapid are the clear side to back here, and a -1.5 handicap at 2.52 offers serious value. I see them controlling the tempo at home in the Conference League and winning this matchup by at least two goals against Hearts. The price is simply too good to ignore.

ML Musa Lawal Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.64 Pending

Following the same script as their first encounter, I see another match where both sides get on the scoresheet. I'm backing a tight, competitive battle that should produce goals at both ends.

PK Peter Kalu Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid’s home form in the Conference League has been rock-solid, and I’m backing them to cover a -1.5 handicap against Hearts. They’ve consistently put up multiple goals on their own turf, and this opponent isn’t built to withstand that kind of pressure.

The 2.52 odds are generous for a side that should win by at least two clear goals. Hearts have struggled away from home in this competition, and I don’t see them keeping it close here. Rapid’s attack is too sharp, and they’ll get the job done comfortably.

SL Suleiman Lamido Over 2.5odds 1.61 Pending

The Conference League clash between Rapid and Hearts points to an open game, and I'm backing the over 2.5 goals market at 1.61. The setup feels right for a high-scoring affair.

SA Stanley Adeyemi Over 3.5odds 2.50 Pending

Rapid and Hearts are set for an open, high-tempo clash in the Conference League. Over 3.5 goals at 2.50 is the clear play here — this one goes over the line.

KG Kunle Garba Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid will handle Hearts with a comfortable margin, making the -1.5 handicap a straightforward pick. The hosts have the quality to win by at least two goals, and the odds of 2.52 offer solid value for that outcome.

UN Uche Nwachukwu To qualify: 1odds 1.28 Pending

Rapid are the clear favorites here and should have no trouble advancing past Hearts. The gap in quality is evident, and I expect them to get the job done without much drama.

CA Chukwuma Adekunle Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.52 Pending

Rapid at home are set for a commanding performance against Hearts. I'm backing the hosts with a -1.5 handicap at 2.52 — expect a multi-goal victory that covers the spread with ease.

Match poster

Rapid vs Hearts — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Rapid vs Hearts Conference League match being played?

The second leg is on 26 August 2026 at 17:45 in Vienna, at Rapid's home stadium.

What is the betting prediction for this match?

The main prediction is Rapid Vienna to win at 1.57. Another recommendation is over 2.5 goals at 1.61.

What was the result of the first leg between these teams?

The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, with Rapid twice taking the lead and Hearts equalising.

Which key players are injured for this match?

Rapid are without Schöller, Vincze, Ndzié, Nuno, and Mbu. Hearts have Halkett out injured.

How are both teams in form going into this game?

Rapid had won 11 consecutive matches before the first leg and recently thrashed GAK 8-0. Hearts showed scoring power (4-0, 6-2 wins) but have defensive fragility, including a 6-1 loss to Benfica.