Europa League and Conference League qualifiers see mixed results for Scottish teams
Scottish clubs faced challenging fixtures in the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers on Thursday. Hearts travelled to face Benfica, while Rangers were in Poland against Jagiellonia Bialystok. In the Conference League, Hibernian hosted Shkendija, and Motherwell played HJK.
Hearts conceded an early goal against Benfica in their Europa League qualifier. Rafa Silva scored for Benfica in the third minute. Former Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday noted that Benfica‘s goal was well-worked, with Leandro Barreiro providing the cut-back for Silva to score from close range. Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken acknowledged the difficulty of playing against a top European team.
Benfica, ranked 18th in Uefa‘s club coefficient rankings, are significantly higher than Hearts. Benfica‘s squad includes players like Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored four goals in their previous Europa League second qualifying round match, and wingers Andreas Schjelderup and Rafa Silva. Around 2,000 Hearts fans made the trip to Lisbon for the match.
Rangers fall to Jagiellonia Bialystok
Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok in their Europa League third qualifying round first leg. The Scottish side initially took the lead in the fourth minute through an own goal by Guilherme Montoia, who turned in Tuur Rommens’ cross. However, Jagiellonia Bialystok equalised nine minutes later when Kajetan Szmyt‘s cross found the net.
Szmyt then scored his second goal in the 21st minute, converting after Ivor Pandur saved Nik Prelec‘s shot. This goal came from a counter-attack initiated after Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard lost possession. Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed disappointment, stating that the team made two mistakes leading to the goals. He also made three half-time substitutions, bringing on Nicolas Raskin, Cammy Devlin, and Findlay Curtis.
The return leg between Rangers and Jagiellonia Bialystok is scheduled to take place at Ibrox next Thursday. Rangers are set to return to action at home against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Conference League encounters
In the Conference League, Hibernian played to a 0-0 draw against Shkendija. Hibernian head coach David Gray confirmed that Boyle was available for the match. He emphasised the importance of European nights for the club and the need for a balanced approach in the first leg, knowing another 90 minutes of football remain.
Shkendija, after finishing as runners-up in the Macedonian First Football League, had already progressed through two Conference League qualifying rounds. They defeated Europa 6-0 over two legs and overcame Bravo with a 3-1 home-leg victory after a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Their squad includes Brazilian Rafa, Gabon forward Fahd Ndzengue, and Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye. Club captain Besart Ibraimi, a former North Macedonia striker, is their most experienced player.
Motherwell also secured a 1-1 draw against HJK. Maswanhise scored a penalty for Motherwell, but Pukki netted a late equaliser for HJK. Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson praised his players’ performance, noting their resilience and the impact of young players in the second half. He expressed pride in the team’s effort despite conceding a goal.
Other Europa League qualifiers included Besiktas visiting FC Hradec Kralove, Anderlecht meeting PAOK FC, and Red Bull Salzburg hosting Pafos. These matches are the first legs of the third qualifying round.
Source: bbc.com
