Hearts Draw Sturm Graz in Champions League Qualifier
Edinburgh side enter second qualifying round amid managerial uncertainty following Derek McInnes' departure to Rangers
Hearts will begin their Champions League qualifying campaign with a second-round tie against Austrian side Sturm Graz next month.
The Edinburgh club secured a qualifying place in Europe’s premier competition for the first time in 20 years after finishing second in last season’s Scottish Premiership. However, they head into the tie amid ongoing uncertainty over their managerial position, with Derek McInnes leaving for Rangers and a successor yet to be appointed.
Unseeded for the draw in Nyon, Hearts faced the prospect of meeting either Sturm Graz or Turkish side Fenerbahce, ultimately drawing the Austrian runners-up.
Graz finished two points behind champions LASK last season and have recent experience against Scottish opposition. They defeated Rangers 2-1 at home in the Europa League group stage before losing by the same scoreline away to Celtic later that month.
The first leg is scheduled to take place in Graz during the week of July 21-22, with the return leg at Tynecastle the following week.
Hearts’ previous attempt to reach the Champions League group stage came in 2006, when they progressed past Siroki Brijeg before being eliminated by AEK Athens.