In a match that ebbed and flowed and was impossible to predict, the never-say-die attitude from the Edinburgh side saw them level a 2-0 deficit and then come back again in extra-time to force penalty kicks.
It wasn’t to be in the end with a penalty shoot-out defeat but Robbie Neilson’s side, and squad, put in a heroic effort in their bid to bring the cup back to Tynecastle.
Here’s how the team rated from a top performance by goalkeeper Craig Gordon through to the substitutes who came on and helped in an energy sapping 120 minutes and shoot-out against the reigning league and domestic cup champions.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you have seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
5. Christophe Berra - 5
Inexplicable handball for the penalty gave his side an uphill struggle but solid in the second half to atone in part for his mistake and otherwise kept Edouard fairly contained as the Frenchman lifted his game for the occasion. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
6. Aidy White - 6
Surprise inclusion in Robbie Neilson's team and justified it as tidy and effective in a hard-working performance, providing the platform for others without ever excelling Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. Andrew Irving - 8
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Celtic's Mohamed Elyounoussi (R) is put under pressure by Andy Irving of Hearts during the William Hill Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Hearts at Hampden Park, on December 20, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group) Photo: Bill Murray - SNS Group / SFA
8. Andy Halliday - 6
Played in spells but put in a power of the dirty work between times supporting Irving, before going down with cramp late on and missing the extra-time. Excellent cross gave Boyce ideal header to begin comeback. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group