Motherwell draw in Helsinki as Hibs snatch late win in the UEFA Conference League
Motherwell draw 1-1 with HJK in Finland, while Warren O'Hora's late goal gives Hibs a 2-1 Conference League advantage over Shkendija in the first leg.
Motherwell earned a valuable 1-1 draw away to HJK Helsinki, while Hibernian secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Shkëndija in the first legs of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round ties.
The results leave both Scottish Premiership clubs with realistic hopes of progressing, although Motherwell will be frustrated not to have taken a lead back to Lanarkshire after producing an impressive second-half display in Finland.
Pukki rescues HJK
Motherwell were held to a draw by former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki, who cancelled out Tawanda Maswanhise’s penalty with his first meaningful involvement of the night.
Alfred Johansson’s side struggled to create much during a quiet first half, with HJK producing little more than the occasional threat. Motherwell goalkeeper Alex Paulsen made the outstanding save of the opening period, denying Leonel Montano from close range.
The match burst into life after the interval, with Motherwell taking a deserved lead following a lengthy VAR review.
Regan Charles-Cook was caught by HJK right-back Miska Ylitolva inside the area, prompting VAR to intervene. Referee Dalibor Černý was eventually sent to the pitchside monitor before pointing to the spot.
Maswanhise kept his composure and drilled the penalty down the middle, sending the travelling Motherwell supporters into celebration. Some fans even spilled on to the pitch as the forward wheeled away.
The lead lasted only a few minutes, however.
Pukki collected the ball on the right side of the penalty area, evading the attention of several defenders and fired a fierce shot into the roof of the net. Paulsen had no chance as the former Celtic and Norwich striker equalised with a superb finish.
Motherwell continued to carry the greater threat for spells. Oscar Priestman dragged a shot wide, while Emmanuel Longelo unleashed a powerful drive from distance that rattled the crossbar.
The visitors were unable to find a winning goal, but will be favourites to progress when the teams meet again at Fir Park next week. The winner will face Freiburg in the Conference League play-off round, with a place in the competition’s league phase at stake.
O’Hora gives Hibs the edge
Hibernian take a 2-1 advantage to North Macedonia after Warren O’Hora struck in the final minute to secure victory over Shkëndija at Easter Road.
David Gray’s side were made to work for the result in a tight contest, with both teams struggling to create clear openings during a low-key first half.
Owen Elding came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break when he drove forward from deep and sent a low angled shot narrowly past the far post.
Shkëndija looked well organised throughout the opening period and showed enough pace on the counter-attack to cause Hibs occasional problems.
The introduction of Ante Šuto and Callum Wright shortly after the hour mark gave Hibernian greater energy. Wright proved decisive moments later, beating two defenders down the left before squaring for Elding to tap home.
Hibs’ lead lasted barely a minute as they switched off as substitute Marko Gjorgjievski found space inside the box and finished into the far corner.
The visitors appeared set to leave Leith with a draw before Hibs produced a late winner.
The ball struck the post and fell kindly for O’Hora, who reacted quickest to fire into the net and give Hibernian a crucial advantage. Jason Kerr almost added a third in stoppage time, but his header crashed off the crossbar.
Hibs will travel to North Macedonia next week knowing that another disciplined performance would take them into the play-off round. The winner of the tie will face either IFK Göteborg or Gent, with Gent trailing 1-0 after the first leg.
For Motherwell, the draw represents a strong result in difficult conditions. For Hibernian, O’Hora’s late intervention could prove even more important as they continue their bid to reach the league phase of European competition for the first time.