Hibernian's European Ambitions

Head coach David Gray is rallying his Hibernian squad to seize the opportunity to "change history in positive ways" as they prepare for their Conference League third-round qualifier against Partizan Belgrade. This comes after a heart-wrenching defeat in the Europa League qualifiers, where a last-minute bicycle kick by Midtjylland's Junior Brumado dashed their hopes of advancing.

The Challenge Ahead

Hibs are set to face a formidable opponent in Partizan Belgrade, a team with a storied history in European competitions, including a European Cup final appearance in 1966. Despite their domestic struggles, Partizan have shown resilience in European tournaments, recently thrashing Oleksandriya 6-0 on aggregate.

Gray emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, stating, "You need to deal with that challenge. It's a different one many of the players haven't experienced before, and we'll make sure players are ready for it." He anticipates a fast-paced and intense match, urging his team to rise to the occasion.

Historical Context

Hibernian, the first British club to play in Europe, has yet to qualify for a group or league phase of a UEFA competition. To break this streak, they must overcome Partizan and potentially face Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca in the play-off round. Gray is determined to lead his team to this historic achievement, challenging his players to embrace the opportunity and deliver their best performance.

Team Updates

New signing Grant Hanley has joined the squad in Serbia, though his match fitness remains uncertain. Nicky Cadden is recovering from a mild hamstring injury, while Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov continue to be sidelined. On the Partizan side, Arandel Stojkovic is suspended, and Mario Jurcevic is doubtful due to recent absences.

Conclusion

As Hibernian steps onto the pitch at the Partizan Stadium, the stakes are high. With Gray's leadership and the players' determination, the team is poised to make a significant impact in European football, potentially rewriting their history in the Conference League.