Rijeka 4-1 Hibs: European jaunt comes to juddering halt in Croatia

Hibs are hoping to advance to the play-off roundHibs are hoping to advance to the play-off round
Hibs are hoping to advance to the play-off round
Hibs’ Europa Conference League journey has come to an abrupt end after a 4-1 defeat by Rijeka.

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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Domagoj 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

Half time in Croatia and Hibs trail by a goal on the night and on aggregate after Pavicic's strike.

Back under way in Rijeka - a big second half coming up for Hibs.

Not much to report from the opening stages of the second period - Rijeka saw a corner cleared and that’s about it so far

Great ball from Nisbet to Boyle but the winger doesn’t really have anyone to aim at in the box and his cross flees out of the park for a goal kick

Muric with another dangerous corner but the header is wide

Murphy crosses it in, Magennis gets a head to it but Ampem mops up

Newell goes for goal when he probably should have passed. There were options!

KYLE MAGENNIS! A fine strike as he capitalises on an error by Galovic, scampers clear and gives Prskalo no chance!

Hibs enjoying a period of sustained pressure here - can they add to their tally?

Doyle-Hayes breaks up a Rijeka attack, feeds Boyle, and the goalkeeper has to be alert to push the shot away

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