Vrancken's side come of age as Hearts bid goodnight Vienna

If 16 May was the day the dream ended, 26 August may well turn out to be when the next one started for Hearts.

A mere three months on from a final-day defeat that denied Hearts a first Scottish top-flight title in 66 years, they have not only secured a tangible reward for finishing as runners-up, they did so with immense courage and togetherness.

Thursday's victory over Rapid Vienna on penalties secured a place in Friday's league phase draw for the Conference League and two games each in October, November and December.