Hibernian's Confidence Tested Against Champions League-Quality Midtjylland
Europa League Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg: Hibernian vs Midtjylland (1-1)
Venue: Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh Date: Thursday, 31 July Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Scotland & BBC Radio Scotland, with text updates available on the BBC Sport website
Hibernian head coach David Gray has emphasized the challenge his team faces against Midtjylland, a squad he describes as having Champions League quality. Despite this, Gray remains optimistic about Hibernian's chances of advancing in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Gray noted that the visitors, who drew 1-1 with Hibernian in Denmark, are still considered favorites. This was underscored by Midtjylland's impressive 6-2 victory over Sonderjyske in the Danish Superliga, following a 3-3 draw with OB Odense.
"That was all we could hope for from the first leg - to ensure we're still in the tie," Gray remarked. "Having something to play for in the second leg, and with the support of European football back at Easter Road, is crucial."
The winners of this tie will face Fredrikstad, who finished sixth in Norway's Eliteserien.
"As expected, the players are training well and are full of confidence from the last game," Gray said. "However, we remind them that it's only half-time in the tie. The challenge remains significant, and being at home doesn't automatically make it easier."
Gray highlighted that Midtjylland is a top team with Champions League experience, which should serve as motivation for his players. "They had a positive performance and result on Monday, so they'll be more confident," he added.
Gray believes his team must replicate the performance level from the first leg to progress. With a limited number of Danish fans traveling for the match, the home crowd is expected to exceed 18,500, setting a new record since Easter Road Stadium's redevelopment.
Hibernian, having recovered from a difficult start last season to finish third, often relied on strong home support in crucial matches. Gray acknowledges the significant impact the crowd can have on the outcome.
"We're aware of the challenge, and these are the nights we play for," he stated. "A sell-out crowd is expected, with potentially the largest number of Hibs supporters in 40 years."
Midtjylland's first-team coach Allan Jepsen is cautious about the additional motivation the Hibs players will derive from the large home crowd. "We managed to get the ball into dangerous zones several times, but our skill level wasn't sufficient," he mentioned on the club's website. "We aim to be the dominant team from the start."
Team News
Hibernian will be without Australia right-back Lewis Miller and midfielders Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov, who missed the first leg due to injuries. Midtjylland's head coach Thomas Thomasberg made five changes to his starting lineup for Monday's domestic victory.
Match Statistics
Hibernian is aiming to reach the group stage of European competition for the first time.
Midtjylland reached the Europa League's new league phase last season, marking their fourth progression through qualifiers in five years.
Hibernian has a mixed record against Danish teams at home in European competitions.
After a 4-0 victory over Staevnet in 1962, they were defeated 1-0 by Brondby in 2016, losing the tie on penalties.
Midtjylland has yet to secure a win in Scotland, having lost 3-1 to Rangers in 2019 and drawn 1-1 with Celtic two years later.
Midtjylland assistant coach Morten Rasmussen fondly recalls scoring a winning goal against Hibernian as a Celtic substitute in a 3-2 victory in 2010.