Hibernian 2–3 Gent | Europa Conference League | Second Leg

Gent advance on aggregate as a dramatic second leg at Easter Road ends in heartbreak for Hibernian.

In a second-leg tie that had everything — early pressure, a stunning comeback, and a cruel late twist — Gent edged past Hibernian 3–2 on the night to progress in the Europa Conference League. David Gray's side fought admirably to turn the tie around, only to be undone in the most painful of fashions deep into injury time.

Match Analysis

Gent, backed by 56% possession on the night, set the early tone through controlled build-up play, and it was José Mendieta who broke the deadlock on 39 minutes, finishing coolly via a right-foot shot after being released by Tiago Araújo. It was a timely blow for Rik Demil's side heading into the break.

Hibernian, despite generating 86 attacks and 59 dangerous attacks compared to Gent's 78 and 33 respectively, found themselves chasing the game. However, they responded with real conviction after the restart. Jason Kerr levelled matters on 56 minutes, powering home a header from Jamie McGrath's delivery to breathe life back into Hibernian's challenge. The momentum was building, and substitute Ante Šuto's arrival further energised the home side.

The turnaround looked complete when Felix Passlack fired home a right-foot effort on 77 minutes, set up by Josh Mulligan — a goal that threatened to swing the tie emphatically in Hibernian's favour. Easter Road was rocking.

But Gent showed the resilience of experienced European campaigners. Just seven minutes later, Christian Burgess — who had already been booked earlier in the match — rose to head home from László Bénes's delivery, with the Hungarian midfielder having only just entered the field as one of three Gent substitutions on 82 minutes. It was a decisive intervention from the bench.

Then, the agonising finale. In the 90th minute, Miguel Changa Chaiwa — already on a yellow card — turned the ball into his own net, handing Gent a 3–2 lead they would not relinquish. To compound his misery, Changa Chaiwa received a second yellow card in stoppage time, ending his night on the worst possible note. A VAR review had also been applied to Martin Boyle back on 47 minutes, though it did not result in a goal for the hosts.

Despite equal shots on target (5 apiece) and a near-identical shot total — 14 for Hibernian vs 13 for Gent — the Belgian side's clinical edge at crucial moments proved the difference. Hibernian's 87% passing accuracy and 12 key passes reflected a side that created plenty without ultimately converting when it mattered most.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast leaned slightly toward Gent (38% away win probability) while anticipating a cautious, low-scoring encounter — ultimately projecting a 0–0 draw. That prediction was incorrect. The match produced five goals and a result that did favour Gent, so the direction of the away-win probability was justified, but the expected low-scoring nature of the tie proved well wide of the mark. With a confidence rating of just 59/100, the uncertainty was acknowledged, though the final scoreline's drama exceeded most projections.

Takeaways

• Gent's bench depth proved decisive — Bénes's assist within minutes of coming on was the turning point.
• Changa Chaiwa's double nightmare — an own goal and two yellow cards — summarised Hibernian's cruel night.
• Hibernian's attacking output was strong but finishing and defensive composure in key moments ultimately cost them.
• David Gray will reflect on a performance full of heart that deserved better reward on European nights.