Sturm Graz kicks off the second Champions League qualifying round on July 21 against Scottish runners‑up Heart of Midlothian. The first leg will be played at the renovated Graz‑Liebenau stadium, which is expected to be ready in time. Sturm Graz tops the Austrian Bundesliga with 38 points from 22 matches (12 W, 2 D, 8 L), sitting one point ahead of Red Bull Salzburg.

Who are they facing in the qualifier?

The opponent is Hearts, who secured second place in the Scottish Premiership after a dramatic finale against Celtic. Coach Fabio Ingolitsch will line up his side with a compact defence and quick counter‑attacks. Opposing players include Jordi Altena and Stephen Kingsley, both former Celtic men. The first leg is set for July 21, with the return leg scheduled for July 28/29.

How does this affect the league race?

A win would not only give Sturm Graz a foothold in Europe but also widen the gap to Red Bull Salzburg. Currently the team enjoys a +7 goal difference (33 scored, 26 conceded) at the top of the table. Their most recent league result was a 2‑0 victory over Rapid Vienna on May 17, confirming a recent run of 4 wins and 1 draw in the last five games.

What comes after the first leg?

If Sturm Graz secures a home win, the away leg in Edinburgh remains a possible hurdle. The coach stresses that concentration in the first 45 minutes will be key, given the stadium is still under construction. Fans can expect a full house once the upgrades are complete, restoring the stadium to full capacity.

What challenges does the stadium present?

Renovations at Graz‑Liebenau include new seating sections and upgraded safety measures. Although work should be finished before kickoff, concerns linger about acoustics and the pitch surface. Club officials assure that all UEFA requirements are met and the playing field meets standards, allowing Sturm Graz to compete under optimal conditions.