Hibs Secure Strong Lead in Conference League Qualifiers
Hibernian have taken a commanding lead in their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie, following a 2-0 away victory against Partizan Belgrade. The first leg result has placed the Scottish side in a strong position ahead of the return match next week, where they will face either AEK Larnaca or Legia Warsaw.
David Gray’s legacy at Easter Road is already well established, but his leadership has once again proven crucial in one of Europe’s most challenging environments. Martin Boyle was instrumental, scoring both goals for Hibs, with the decisive strike coming from the penalty spot. His performance not only secured a vital win but also added to his personal milestones, as it marked his 100th goal for the club.
The match, held at Partizan’s home ground, saw the visitors capitalize on key moments and defensive errors. The return leg is set to be a critical test for Partizan, who now need a remarkable turnaround to progress further in the competition.
Serbian Media Reacts to Hibs’ Victory
The Serbian media has been vocal in its reaction to Hibs’ win, with several outlets highlighting the challenges faced by Partizan. Arena Sport, for instance, noted the team’s defensive lapses and the impact of a red card that changed the course of the game. They compared the situation to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” emphasizing the ironic twist of fate that led to Partizan’s defeat.
“Shakespeare long ago wrote his Scottish tragedy ‘Macbeth,’ one of the main motifs of which is the ironic twist of fate. Today, such irony has struck Partizan’s babies,” the outlet stated. The article also pointed out the controversial nature of Vukašin Đurđević’s second yellow card, which left Partizan down to ten men and significantly affected their chances.
Sportal echoed similar sentiments, describing the quick counterattack that led to Hibs’ first goal. They highlighted how the red card, received by Đurđević, effectively ended Partizan’s hopes of progressing further in the competition. “Football once again mercilessly hit Partizan’s kids in the face,” the publication noted.
Sportske provided a detailed account of the match, noting the high attendance at the stadium and the initial pressure applied by Hibs. Despite the home support, Partizan struggled to maintain control after the red card, allowing Hibs to dominate the remainder of the game.
Mozzart Sport took a more critical stance, questioning the decisions made by the referees and suggesting that Hibs’ victory was influenced by external factors. They described the match as a lesson for Partizan’s young players, who were unable to cope with the pressure and the challenges posed by Hibs’ experienced squad.
Informer also weighed in, stating that Partizan did not deserve to lose but acknowledged the role of the referees in the outcome. They highlighted the missed opportunities by Partizan, including a clear chance that Milan Vukotić failed to convert, which ultimately cost them the match.
Looking Ahead
As the teams prepare for the return leg, the focus will be on whether Partizan can mount a comeback. The challenge is significant, given the two-goal deficit and the physical and tactical strength of Hibs. However, football is known for its unpredictability, and there is always a chance for a dramatic turn of events.
For Hibs, the confidence gained from this victory will be crucial as they aim to secure a place in the play-off round. Their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different challenges will be tested in the upcoming matches.
The story of this encounter highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the impact of individual moments in football. As the competition continues, fans on both sides will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling contest.