Luzern 2-2 Hibernian (3-5 agg): Gutsy Scots set up Aston Villa Europa Conference League tie
- Published
Highlights: Luzern 2-2 Hibernian (agg 3-5)
Hibernian put in a gutsy display to claim a draw away in Luzern and set up a mouth-watering Europa Conference League play-off meeting with Aston Villa.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg at Easter Road, Lee Johnson's side increased their lead early when Elie Youan drove forward and looped a shot into the net.
But, backed on by a raucous home crowd which aggressively roared them on, Luzern levelled six minutes later after Lars Villiger tucked away a cutback amid some confusion in the Hibs defence.
The Swiss side took firm control from that moment on, finally reducing the aggregate deficit to one goal after substitute Kemal Ademi headed in from a corner.
It seemed inevitable that the hosts would find at least the goal they needed to force extra time, before some brilliance from Youan effectively ensured Hibs' safe passage through.
The forward got to a long ball before defender Marco Burch, and surged into the box, before teeing up Martin Boyle to finish from close range and level the match with 17 minutes left.
It sparked bedlam among the 1,000 travelling Hibs fans and drained the life from the rowdy home crowd, as well as the Luzern players.
Hibs did the rest of their defensive work with full-blooded commitment and their reward for a fantastic performance is the visit of a Premier League side with a place in the group stage at stake.
The first leg of the play-off at Easter Road has been brought forward 24 hours to Wednesday (17:45 kick-off) since Hearts are also at home in the competition.
Player of the match - Will Fish
Youan sprinkled the stardust, but Fish brought the power. He'll have the print of the ball on his forehead tonight. The young centre-back stood tall.
Youan magic inspires fantastic Hibs - analysis
It was as tense, nervy, and thrilling as many expected after a gripping first leg in Edinburgh.
Hibs are yet to claim a clean sheet this season but, although they conceded two goals Johnson will be disappointed with, the back four of Fish, Paul Hanlon, Lewis Miller and Lewis Stevenson withstood almighty pressure for large spells, heading and clearing for their lives.
But the difference in the game was two moments of brilliance from Youan. The Frenchman is capable of being maddening and exceptional all in the same game, and he was again in Luzern. Careless in possession at times, but he came alive when driving at goal, scoring the first and setting up the second all on his own.
Those moments are why Hibs paid money to get him in permanently in the summer. Villa will be an almighty step up in the next round, but Hibs and their fans shouldn't worry about right now. They should savour the moment after a fantastic 180-minute display.
What they said
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "I think over the two legs the boys have been absolute Trojans, I have to say that.
"The physical output - let's make no mistake, they're a really top side; they've got some fantastic ball manipulators. They move it, they're busy, they're bright, but when we broke over the two legs, we looked really dangerous."
What's next?
Hibs have to switch their attention quickly to the last-16 of the Viaplay Cup as they host Championship side Raith Rovers on Sunday (14:00 BST), followed by the first-leg meeting with Villa.