The two sides produced a cagey affair for the majority of the first period, although there were a number of half chances to keep the supporters interested.
Cercle Brugge’s Felipe Augusto and Paris Brunner both forced the experienced Craig Gordon into action, before Hearts offered their own threat at the opposite end of the pitch.
Lawrence Shankland flicked the ball agonisingly wide after being picked out by Kenneth Vargas’ low cross.
The half looked destined to finish goalless until Malamine Efekele netted his first goal of the season to break the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Efekele guided a first-time finish in at the near post to wrap up a slick move to give his side a narrow half-time lead.
The hosts should have doubled their advantage within 15 minutes of the restart when Thibo Somers was given the space to attack Gary Magnée’s inviting cross, only to send his gilt-edged header harmlessly wide.
Hearts seemingly received a boost from Somers’ miss, as they wasted little time in threatening Maxime Delanghe, with the goalkeeper required to make two crucial saves from Alan Forrest and Vargas in quick succession.
While Hearts continued their search for an equaliser, Brunner appeared to be on a one-man mission to double the home side’s advantage, drawing a smart save from Gordon before whistling another effort just wide.
For all their fine work, the hosts offered Hearts a way back into the contest when a handball in the box led to the award of a penalty following a VAR review.
However, Lawrence Shankland ultimately spurned the golden opportunity, blazing the spot-kick over the bar to extend his goal-drought to 11 club appearances.
Hearts’ frustrating evening was summed up when Magnée found the net in stoppage with the aid of a decisive deflection off Daniel Oyegoke.
The hosts move onto seven points after four matchdays, while the Scottish are left with six points to their name.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gary Magnée (Cercle Brugge)
