Daniel Oyegoke's 98th-minute own goal handed victory to Viktoria Plzen
Hearts manager Steven Naismith says his side need to harness the power of Tynecastle to overcome a first-leg deficit against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
Having recovered from a shaky start to get themselves seconds away from a creditable goalless draw in the Czech Republic, Daniel Oyegoke made the Scottish Premiership side's task harder by turning a late cross into his own net.
Plzen's Cadu swung in a dangerous ball which caught out the Hearts defender, as he helplessly watched the ball strike his thigh and fly into the corner of the net.
"We've got to use that home advantage next week," Naismith told BBC Scotland.
"There are lots of positives. We're disappointed because 0-0 gives you a slight advantage going into the second leg.
"But we know what Tynecastle can be like on a European night - we'll need that. And we need to make sure we create more chances like we did tonight."
It was a frustrating end as Hearts grew into the game and traded blows with their more battle-hardened Czech opponents, who were playing in Europe for a 15th consecutive season.
Lawrence Shankland had two efforts saved from the edge of the box just before half time, and Kenneth Vargas also spurned two chances when more composure was needed.
However, good goalkeeping and solid defending also played a part in Hearts coming so close to an important draw.
Craig Gordon, who at 41 is now Hearts' record appearance holder in European football, denied Milan Havel at his near post early on, and Pavel Sulc after the break from a similar angle.
Meanwhile, Jorge Grant cleared Sulc's goal-bound shot off the line and centre-backs Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley made crucial blocks as well.
A stalemate would have put Hearts in a good position to reach the main draw in Europe's second-tier competition for the first time in 20 years, but Oyegoke's lapse makes their task slightly harder.
They will give everything next Thursday in the return at a raucous Tynecastle, safe in the knowledge they already have the consolation of a place in the Conference League for the second time in three seasons should they fail.
Hearts frustrated but still have hope
Tie still in the balance - Naismith
Hearts pitched up in the Czech Republic winless in their opening three games and on the back of a stinging League Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Falkirk.
Criticism swirled about too much rotation, and too much tactical tweaking.
Undeterred, Naismith made five changes and reverted to a back three again and, after riding an early storm in which Plzen stroked the ball about, Hearts settled.
The returning Kent was excellent in defence, and the midfield of Malachi Boateng, Cammy Devlin and Jorge Grant started to get on the ball and find gaps.
Vargas got into great positions, but never found the required composure to grab an all-important goal.
Overall, it was promising against a side who had only lost to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich at home in Europe since 2017.
Plzen had also only conceded one goal in their five league games so far this season.
That makes Oyegoke's mistake all the more frustrating as Plzen's visible alarm at the 0-0 scoreline told you how much they wanted to take a lead to Edinburgh.
Now they have it they will feel confident, but with Tynecastle behind them and having seen their opponents close up, Hearts will not shirk the challenge next week.
What they said
Hearts head coach Steven Naismith: "Commitment, attitude, discipline, belief. It was all there. It's a blow when you lose a goal so late but we knew it would be a tight tie. It'll be tight next week.
"It's European football, you need to stay disciplined at times then be brave on the ball.
"I didn't think we did that to start with, we were a wee bit safe. But we became a bit braver, our structure was good and we caused them problems in possession."
