Hibernian 3-1 Luzern: Aston Villa Europa Conference League tie comes into view after win
- Published
Watch the best of Hibs' impressive win over Luzern
Two late goals gave Hibernian a potentially priceless advantage to take to Switzerland for the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier against Luzern.
Joe Newell's arrowed strike moments into a bad-tempered second-half gave the Premiership side the advantage.
And although Ismajl Beka's header levelled within 10 minutes, Dylan Vente's debut goal and a 90th-minute strike from Jordan Obita cleaved open a two-goal lead and brought a play-off with Aston Villa a step closer.
The second leg is in Luzern next Thursday (19:45) BST and should Hibs hold firm, only English Premier League opponents would stand between them and the group stage.
The first half hurried by in a flash. Luzern dominated possession, both teams hassled and harried, but there was little in terms of goalmouth action.
The closest Hibs came was when Martin Boyle launched a stinging drive that Pascal Loretz had to tip over. Newell was also busy, blocking Pius Dorn with a vital block in the box.
The English midfielder kick-started a second-half that could live long in the memory of the Hibs fans in Easter Road. Seconds after the break, he stroked the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to give Leith lift-off.
However the lead didn't last long. Hibs didn't deal with a set-piece, 6ft 6in centre-back Beka somehow ghosting in from a corner and glancing a header past David Marshall.
But Hibs' belief wasn't dented. Luzern failed to clear a cross, with Adam Le Fondre allowed to control the ball, spin, and cross to an unmarked Vente to head home from close range on his first Hibs appearance.
With Luzern throwing bodies forward for an equaliser, Obita was able to pick off a stray pass and sprint at goal, bobbling a shot into the bottom corner to give Hibs a two-goal cushion for the second leg in Switzerland.
Player of the match - Dylan Vente (Hibernian)
Has Lee Johnson has found a finisher to replace Kevin Nisbet? Vente worked tirelessly all night.
Hibs bounce back to edge towards Villa tie - analysis
Lee Johnson isn't afraid to level criticism at his own side. After the opening day defeat by St Mirren, he questioned the fight and desire of his players.
They answered him here, and in some style. After the Luzern equaliser, tempers boiled over and the Swiss side were lucky not to have two players sent off.
Lithuanian referee Robertas Valikonis was lenient, but Dylan Levitt and Newell weren't. They threw themselves into four challenges in a row, setting the tone for their team-mates.
Hibs weren't willing to settle for a draw. They wanted it more. The crowd fed on it. And now Hibs are favourites to set up a tie with Villa in a few weeks time.
What they said
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "It was a fantastic game of football. I've said to the players how proud I am of them. That sets the marker.
"We scored three goals again at home - we've got goals in us. There's a lot to do, they're good enough to score a couple quickly. We're going to have to repeat the work-rate over there."
What's next?
Hibernian visit Motherwell in Scottish Premiership action on Sunday (15:00 BST) before next Thursday's second leg in Luzern (19:45).
Watch Vente score debut goal for Hibs in Europe