Hibs demoted to the Conference League
Hibernian 1 - 2 Midtjylland (Midtjylland won 3-2 on aggregate)
Hibernian suffered European heartache as Junior Brumado's sensational goal for Midtjylland in the last moments of extra-time knocked them out of Europa League qualifying.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Easter Road
A bumper crowd inside Easter Road were silenced by the piece of brilliance from the Brazilian, whose winner came as the game looked destined for a penalty shootout.
The second-round tie was finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg, and it took until four minutes into extra-time in Edinburgh before Dario Osorio's powerful strike from distance opened the scoring in the second.
Rocky Bushiri responded to draw Hibs level as bedlam ensued in the stands, but Brumado would have the final say with a magical finish.
Hibernian now drop into Conference League qualifying where they will face Partizan Belgrade next week.
More analysis of what happened
After holding their own in Denmark against seasoned European campaigners, Hibernian returned looking a team transformed from the side that had languished near the foot of the Premiership in December.
Early efforts from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath signalled intent, while Dylan Bowie's disallowed goal added to a positive opening spell. Despite some nervous moments, it was David Gray’s side who carved out the better chances before the break.
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They weathered an early second-half scare but stayed composed, continuing to probe Jonas Lossl’s goal and defending with discipline as Midtjylland grew into the match.
As extra time wore on, fatigue took its toll. Gaps began to appear and the visitors capitalised. They must now summon another response, with a crucial Conference League tie against Partizan Belgrade and their Premiership opener at Dundee both looming.
How do Hibernian respond?
After the match, the Hibs boss praised his players for giving everything, describing the atmosphere and the occasion as fantastic. While he admitted he would never accept losing matches, he said he could not have asked for more from his squad on the night.
Looking ahead to a difficult Conference League tie, he acknowledged the challenge but stressed it remained an opportunity that the team must not forget. He recognised that facing Partizan would be a serious test, but saw it as a deserved reward for earning the right to compete in Europe.
