James Wilson produced a moment of magic as Hearts fought back from behind twice, but Rapid Vienna’s late equaliser leaves the Conference League play-off perfectly poised.

Hearts will travel to Vienna with everything still to play for after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle.

The visitors struck first in the 30th minute when Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao rose highest from a corner to head Rapid into the lead.

Hearts had chances to respond before the break but found themselves behind at half-time, leaving Wouter Vrancken’s side needing a stronger second-half showing.

And they delivered.

The Jambos came flying out after the interval and were rewarded in the 55th minute when Josh McPake’s delivery was turned into his own net by Raux-Yao.

The momentum had shifted and Hearts sensed an opportunity to take control.

Vrancken then made a decisive change, bringing James Wilson off the bench in the 56th minute.

Just six minutes later, the teenager produced a moment that will live long in the memory.

Wilson collected the ball outside the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner from around 30 yards.

Tynecastle erupted as Hearts completed the turnaround and suddenly found themselves 2-1 ahead.

Rapid, however, refused to go away.

The Austrian side increased the pressure as the game entered its final stages and eventually found an equaliser in the 79th minute.

Nikolaus Wurmbrand finished from a difficult angle after Rapid won a corner, restoring parity and denying Hearts what would have been a memorable comeback victory.

There was still time for both sides to search for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw and leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Vienna.

For Hearts, there is plenty to take from the performance.

They showed character to recover from going behind, Wilson’s spectacular goal provided another glimpse of his huge potential, and the Jambos proved they can compete with a strong Rapid side.

But the late equaliser will undoubtedly leave Vrancken frustrated after his team had fought so hard to turn the game around.

The prize is now clear.

One more big performance in Vienna could send Hearts into the Conference League group stage.

Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna

⚽ Rapid: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao (30′), Nikolaus Wurmbrand (79′)

⚽ Hearts: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao OG (55′), James Wilson (62′)

Second leg: Rapid Vienna v Hearts — Thursday, August 27