Rijeka 4-1 Hibs: European jaunt comes to juddering halt in Croatia
The Easter Road side could, and arguably should, have won the first leg but the teams went into the return game tied at 1-1.
Hibs were without captain Paul Hanlon and striker Christian Doidge, and their absence was keenly felt as the Capital club toiled in the Croatian heat.
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Hide AdDomagoj Pavicic put the hosts ahead shortly before the break but Kyle Magennis equalised, giving Hibs hope.
But a daft red card for Darren McGregor, who had picked up a needless booking early on, did for the visitors and they conceded twice in five minutes with Issah Abass netting both.
Substitute Denis Bušnja added insult to injury in added time as he waltzed through the defence and drew Matt Macey before firing home to complete a 5-2 aggregate win for the Prva HNL side.
Rijeka v Hibs
Key Events
- First leg finished 1-1
- Doidge and Hanlon miss out for Hibs
- Nisbet returns to starting XI
YELLOW CARD!
Pavicic booked for diving in the box under the challenge of Doyle-Hayes. The Irishman understandably irritated by the antics of the Rijeka man.
CHANCE!
Ooft, that wasn’t bad from Murphy! Cuts in from the left and hits a curling effort but Prskalo has to push it away. Corner Hibs, but Prskalo takes the set-piece.
Muric with an inviting cross but it skims over to the opposite flank where Abass is waiting. McGregor eventually clears the danger with a trademark BOOT up the park
Goal for Rijeka
Great run by Pavicic who connects first-time with Ampem’s cross to put the hosts in front on the night and on aggregate.
Bit of a mountain to climb for Hibs now.
Murphy looking for a quick response but his effort from distance lacks power and Prskalo gathers easily
McGregor and Abass having a talking-to from the referee. Nothing serious - remember McGregor is on a yellow card - just a wee reminder of the “fair play” aspect of UEFA competitions...
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