While European progress will have to wait for another year, two contenders of the Europa League places meet tomorrow

Karaiskaki Stadium
Dundee United's Europa League plans were left in ruins in Athens after AEK secured a 1-1 draw to win 2-1 on aggregate in the unreal atmosphere surrounding the second leg of the tie. The game was played in front of just United fans in the Karaiskaki Stadium, home of Olympiakos, after the pitch at AEK's Olympic stadium was deemed unplayable and the first alternative ground, the Nea Smyrni stadium, was vandalised. While this disruption  was bad enough, midfielder Danny Swanson had a late chance to put United in the group stages. Swanson blasted a shot just past the post with minutes remaining in their 1-1 second-leg draw as they pressed for the goal that would have put them through on away goals.

He said: "I should have scored, we should be through. The manager has told me to forget about it, that it's not my fault and I suppose the way to look at it is I was there to try and take the chance. I know myself, though, and I know what I am capable of. However hard it may have looked from up in the stands, that was the kind of chance I expect to score from. When I hit it I thought I was going to see it in the back of the net and I can't believe I missed. I blame myself, but maybe given time that will change."
 
United take on Hearts on Sunday and will have to put aside their disappointment as they return to league business. Hearts have made a good start to the season and will be up for the game to continue their good run. Midfielder Eggert Jonsson is not expecting an easy game on Sunday despite the visitors having been travelling to Athens and back in midweek. Iceland internationalist Jonsson is sure the United players will not let their hectic week affect them.

He said: "There has been a lot of chaos surrounding their match and the preparation, but they have had two days to recover. It might affect them a bit but I don't think it's going to matter. Both teams will have 11 players and it's going to be the same pitch and ball. I don't think it matters if they have played in Europe."

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