Tough Times for Hearts
Hearts arrived in Turkey with a squad decimated by injuries. They were missing a string of key midfielders and defenders following a heavy 7-1 defeat at Celtic Park on the previous weekend. Their troubles worsened ahead of kick off when left-back Harry Milne suffered suspected anterior cruciate ligament damage during training at Papara Park. With six players injured and only one recognised midfielder available, manager Wouter Vrancken had to improvise.
Surprise Choice Shines
Uganda winger Rogers Mato was a surprise selection to deputise at left-back. He produced a strong display against Mohamed Salah to help prevent a heavy beating. Vrancken told reporters that he spoke with Mato on the day of the match and trusted his pace and one-on-one defensive qualities. Salah opened the scoring with a penalty in the 32nd minute before setting up Franculino for the second goal in the 58th minute. Vrancken noted that Jordi Altena also performed well out of position in midfield.
Looking Forward
More injury trouble struck when right-back Christian Borchgrevink was forced off late in the first half of the match. Trabzonspor finished with ten men after Sidny Lopes Cabral received a red card in stoppage time for a second bookable offence. The result leaves Hearts with one point from two Conference League matches before they face Swiss champions Thun in two weeks.
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