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Braga reflects on Hearts' struggles after Champions League elimination

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 12:04 PM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Braga reflects on Hearts' struggles after Champions League elimination

Summary

Claudio Braga expressed concerns over Hearts' difficulties in adapting to significant changes following a 6-0 defeat to Sturm Graz in the Champions League second qualifying round. The loss came on the heels of a 4-0 defeat in the first leg, leading to their exit from the competition. New head coach Wouter Vracken is implementing a different style of play amid roster changes, including the departure of key players like Lawrence Shankland to Rangers. Braga noted the team's capacity to play well but emphasized the need to reduce individual mistakes. Following this elimination, Hearts will face Benfica or St Gallen in the Europa League qualifiers.

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Market Watch

•Hearts lost 6-0 to Sturm Graz in the Champions League qualifiers.
•Claudio Braga commented on the team's adaptation challenges.
•New coach Wouter Vracken is implementing a new style of play.
•Lawrence Shankland is among key players who have left the team.
•Hearts will face Benfica or St Gallen in the Europa League qualifiers.

Latest Updates

12:04 PMYahoo Sports — Hearts change hard to deal with - Braga

What they're saying

"
Claudio Braga admits Hearts are finding it difficult to adapt amid a huge summer of change. New head coach Wouter Vracken's reign has begun with Champions League elimination as Hearts were thumped 6-0 by Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round. The Belgian is striving to implement a new style of play, while key players Lawrence Shankland have followed boss Derek McInnes in moving to Rangers after last season's agonising title near miss.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Champions League Soccer