Hibernian qualify after enthralling encounter at Easter Road

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Hibernian 2 - 3 Partizan Belgrade (Hibernian won 4-3 on aggregate)

Hibernian survived a major scare against 10-man Partizan Belgrade as Chris Cadden’s extra-time strike sealed an aggregate win and a place in the Conference League play-off round.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Easter Road

Conference League 25 26 | Hibs players celebrate after knocking out Partizan Belgrade
Hibs players and fans celebrate

After rotating his squad at the weekend, David Gray reverted to a more familiar starting eleven, with Jamie McGrath the only change from the first leg in Serbia. The Irish midfielder failed a late fitness test, handing Josh Campbell a place in the side.

Easter Road crackled with energy at kick-off, the stands packed as Martin Boyle led out the team to a raucous reception.

A closer look at what happened on the match

Partizan wiped out the advantage with two goals in the first half, both the result of errors from goalkeeper Jordan Smith. He failed to hold Milan Vukotic’s long-range strike, then allowed Jovan Milosevic’s tame shot to slip under him.

Kieron Bowie restored Hibs’ aggregate lead with a moment of brilliance, meeting a dropping ball with a dipping 35-yard strike that clipped the post on its way in. Bowie was then fouled by Nikola Simic, who received a second yellow card.

Conference League 25 26 | - Hibs v Partizan Belgrade
Hibernian corner

Even with 10 men, Partizan pressed and levelled the tie in stoppage time through Andrej Kostic. But in extra time Hibs responded, Cadden firing in after Josh Mulligan’s deflected effort was parried into his path.

There was a scare when Mario Jurčević found the net, only for the offside flag to cut short the celebrations. Partizan threatened again in the final moments of extra time, Jordan Smith tipping an Andrej Kostić strike onto the post before Dušan Jovanović fired the rebound into the side netting.#

READ MORE | Conference League 25/26 season

It made for a tense finale, but Hibs stood firm to secure a famous victory. It was far from flawless, yet this is a team with the resilience to keep battling back and earning its rewards.

Best Reaction

Ryan, a Hibs supporter, hailed Kieron Bowie’s stunning strike, calling it “a McFadden in Paris moment” and admitting he was on the verge of questioning the decision to shoot from that distance. “Absolutely sensational,” he said.

Mark could not be at Easter Road but was still thrilled with the outcome. “I left my window open hoping to catch the cheers,” he said. “I have never heard a roar like the one for Bowie’s goal. Wow. Just wow.”

Location: 12 Albion Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5QG, UK

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