Hibernian 6-1 Inter Club D'Escaldes (agg 7-3): Scottish side through in Europa Conference League
- Published
Highlights: Hibernian 6-1 Inter Club D'Escaldes
Hibernian responded emphatically to their first-leg Andorran embarrassment by thrashing Inter Club d'Escaldes to reach the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.
The Scottish Premiership side were 2-1 down heading into the game at Easter Road, but Martin Boyle's early double turned the tie.
Christian Doidge scored an overhead kick, with Josh Campbell adding a brace and Elie Youan netting after the interval before a late consolation for the visitors.
Lee Johnson's side will welcome Luzern to the capital on 10 August, before the away leg the following Thursday in Switzerland.
Boyle was the name that stood out on the team sheet and he was central to the comeback with two goals, the first after dashing on to a long ball, the second a clinical header.
The Australia international produced the goods when Hibs needed it most. How he has been missed.
That settled things after a nervy start. Goalkeeper David Marshall picked up a hamstring injury pre-match, meaning an abrupt debut for Jojo Wallacot.
But he hirpled off after 18 minutes, and Max Boruc - cousin of former Celtic player Artur - came on for his first senior showing just 24 hours after appearing for the development side against Formartine United. Quite the turnaround.
Another making his presence known around Leith again was Doidge. The striker, who spent last season on loan at Kilmarnock, acrobatically found the net following Will Fish's header from a corner to all but end the tie.
It was absolutely done just after the break. Campbell was gifted the opportunity to nod the ball home after another calamity at the back, before Youan's blistering burst and cross allowed him to roll in his second.
Sandwiched between that brace, Doidge was denied by the offside flag after burying a lovely little reverse pass from Dylan Levitt.
Nothing could stop Youan's effort from rippling the roof of the net, however. A deserved goal for the forward's efforts over the two legs.
Angel de la Torre spanked in a late effort for the Andorrans but it was little consolation as their European adventure ended.
Player of the match - Martin Boyle
Who else? Boyle's back with a brace that got the much-needed ball rolling for Hibs.
Boyle's back as Hibs save their blushes - analysis
That was much more like it from Hibs. The sort of performance you'd expect and one that was certainly required after last week's antics in Andorra.
One can only imagine how pleased, and perhaps relieved, Johnson will be to have Boyle back.
It's not news, but Hibs are just a better side with the Australia international in it. Despite his diminutive figure, he spearheads the attack with confidence and conviction.
With 10 months spent on the sidelines, he'll feel almost like a new signing. As might Doidge, who netted his first goal for the club since July 9, 2022 against Clyde.
It was far from perfection, but that was not necessary. There are still worries in defence but when it was kept down to the basics, Hibs delivered where they didn't last week.
That result can now be put behind them and the league season can be kicked off on a clean slate before being back to duties on the continent next week.
What they said
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "I was delighted the crowd got to see new players play well, but also the old guard. We've been itching to get [Martin Boyle] back in. He's so dangerous in behind."
On the goalkeeping situation going forward to Sunday's game with St Mirren, Johnson added: "That one's going to be tricky, we need to assess David and we've got Max Boruc.
"We've got the option of an emergency loan as well."
What's next?
Hibs start their Scottish Premiership season on Sunday, 6 August at Easter Road against St Mirren (15:00 BST) before more European action in Edinburgh next Thursday.