Despite a valiant effort that saw them push Danish giants Midtjylland to their limits, Hibernian’s Europa League aspirations concluded on a night of high drama at Easter Road. The Edinburgh side, buoyed by a fervent home support, ultimately fell to a display of undeniable quality, but their European adventure is far from over as attention now shifts to the UEFA Conference League.
The second leg, played out in front of a passionate crowd of 19,536, saw Hibs battle fiercely, taking their formidable opponents into extra time. However, a moment of individual brilliance ultimately sealed their fate, with Midtjylland progressing 3-2 on aggregate, ending Hibs’ pursuit of Europa League glory for this season.
The decisive blow came in the dying moments of extra time, a truly spectacular overhead kick from Midtjylland’s Junior Brumado. This breathtaking piece of skill left the Easter Road faithful stunned, epitomizing the sheer quality that shone through for the Danish side in what was an enthralling European Football encounter.
Hibs, however, emerged from the contest with significant credit. They went toe-to-toe with a seasoned European outfit, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline. While the result was disappointing, the team can have few complaints, acknowledging that Midtjylland’s superior class proved the difference on the night.
From the outset, the atmosphere at Easter Road was electric, with fireworks greeting both teams onto the pitch. Head coach David Gray maintained the starting lineup that performed so commendably in the first leg. Early in the match, Jamie McGrath had a notable attempt, showcasing Hibs’ intent to press their opponents, though the Danes appeared unfazed by the raucous environment.
Midtjylland gradually asserted their dominance as the game progressed. A disallowed goal by Franculino early in the second half, overturned by VAR to the relief of the home crowd, served as a stark warning. The Danish side’s attacking prowess became increasingly evident, particularly in the final twenty minutes of regular time, as they relentlessly searched for a breakthrough.
The tension escalated dramatically into extra time. Midtjylland eventually found their opening through a stunning strike from Osorio. Yet, just when hope seemed to fade, Hibs responded with characteristic determination, Rocky Bushiri leveling the score just before the half-time whistle in extra time, reigniting the Easter Road crowd’s belief in this Conference League journey.
The final quarter of extra time was a cagey affair, with both teams pushing for a winner. Junior Hoilett had a golden opportunity for Hibs, but it was Brumado’s audacious bicycle kick at the 119-minute mark that ultimately decided the contest, sending Midtjylland into jubilation and leaving Hibs with a bitter taste.
Despite the heartbreak, Hibs’ European journey is not over. They now drop into the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, where they will face Serbian side Partizan Belgrade. This presents a fresh challenge and another opportunity for Hibs to continue their run in European Football, with the first leg set to take place in the Balkans next week.
