3 godzin temu
Hibernian dramatically overcame Partizan Belgrade 4-3 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Conference League play-offs, surviving a nerve-shredding night at Easter Road that tested every ounce of character. The Edinburgh side will now face Legia Warsaw with the first leg at home next Thursday.
The hosts appeared comfortable after taking a 2-0 first-leg advantage through Martin Boyle's double. But Partizan struck back in the first half through Milan Vukotic and Jovan Milosevic, silencing the packed Easter Road crowd and levelling the tie on aggregate.
Bowie's spectacular intervention
Kieron Bowie produced a moment of magic around the hour mark, unleashing an audacious 40-yard dipping effort that restored Hibs' aggregate lead. The striker's wonder goal came at the perfect moment when his side looked in serious danger of elimination.
Manager David Gray praised the effort with characteristic humour before turning serious. "It's a good clearance! No, take his goal out of it, he was exceptional tonight," Gray said. "His goal was a special goal for a special night."
Character test and redemption
Jordan Smith endured a nightmare start, being badly at fault for Partizan's opening two goals. But the goalkeeper redeemed himself with three crucial second-half saves and two more in extra time as Hibs held firm.
Gray never doubted his keeper despite the early errors. "I had no doubts about Smudge in the second half. What he does do then is, he doesn't take any risks. He didn't overplay. He simplified his game and made some big saves. That's all you can ask of your goalkeeper in those moments," the manager said.
Extra-time drama unfolds
Andrej Kostic scored a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser to force extra time and level the aggregate score at 3-3. The Serbian striker was then dismissed, reducing Partizan to ten men for the additional period.
Chris Cadden finally settled the tie after 100 minutes, following up Josh Mulligan's saved effort to slam home the winner. The goal sent Easter Road into raptures and secured Hibs' progression to face Polish side Legia Warsaw.
Personal vindication achieved
For Bowie, the wonder strike represented personal vindication after battling through two long-term injuries and setbacks since joining the club. Gray highlighted the striker's resilience in overcoming adversity to reach this level of performance.
Partizan manager Srđan Blagojević acknowledged the quality of both sides despite the disappointment. "It would not have been undeserved if Partizan qualified. It was a great game," he said.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Record", "Scotsman" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
