When Hearts pitch up in Glasgow today for their league match at Celtic Park, the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb will seem like a long way off. Not only did they win the return leg, they pushed Rangers in the league and last week claimed their first victory of the SPL season.
Gary Glen was among those who repaid the manager's commitment with a 1-0 victory against Kilmarnock in midweek. With Suso Santana and the returning Andy Driver in support, he was the temporary solution to Hearts' striking problems.
After two draws at Celtic Park last season, in one of which Andy Driver scored the opener, the Hearts are more optimistic than they had any right be just a few short weeks ago.
"Celtic are always dangerous at home, but they have maybe 60,000 people on their back," says Csaba Laszlo.
"They have the pressure. They lost an important game in midweek and before that had only a draw at home. In the first 20 minutes, if they don't play as the supporters wish, it can help us."