Hearts boss Steven Naismith is hoping for a turnaround in the return leg at Tynecastle after Daniel Oyegoke’s late own goal gave Viktoria Plzen a 1-0 win at the Doosan Arena.
It looked like the Jambos would return from their Europa League play-off opener in the Czech Republic with a goalless draw until everything changed in the final minute of six added time at the end of the match.
A cross to the far post from home substitute Cadu was deflected into his own net from close range by Oyegoke, who replaced Gerald Taylor in the 75th minute, as he tried to keep a Viktoria Plzen attacker at bay.
The goal gave the hosts a narrow victory and Hearts take their opponents back to Edinburgh next Thursday, with Naismith relishing the prospect of a packed stadium.
He told BBC Radio Scotland: “The commitment, the attitude, the discipline, the belief was all there. It’s a blow when you go behind so late.
“We knew it would be a close draw and it will be a close draw next week.
“It’s a late goal. In the game, both teams had good chances – you can argue that we had better chances, but it’s European football.
“Sometimes you have to be disciplined and the moment you have the ball you have to be brave.
“I didn’t think we had it made to begin with. I thought we were a little bit safe. We’ve become a little bit braver.
“Our structure was good and we caused them problems in possession. Defensively, we were decent.
“In the end, we obviously lost a goal at the end, but I think the draw is really tight. It’s going to be a tight game next week. We’re at home – we have to use that home advantage.
“So there are a lot of positives. We are disappointed because I think it gives us a slight advantage to go into the second leg, but knowing what Tynecastle can be like on a European night, we will need that.”
Naismith referenced last season’s Europa Conference League playoff game against Norwegian side Rosenborg, where a 2–1 away defeat in the first leg preceded a 3–1 win for the Jambos in Gorgie.
He said: “Yes, it’s similar, it was a very tight draw. Both teams will believe they can go through.
“They showed their qualities. They showed the way they want to play.
“I thought the way we organized ourselves was very good.
“We started well in the first two minutes and then I thought it took us 10 or 15 minutes to get back into it, especially in possession. It was an enjoyable game.”
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