Hibernian begin their Conference League qualifying campaign against Malisheva in Pristina on Thursday afternoon, with the first leg offering an early test of how far David Gray's side can go in Europe this season.
The tie matters for more than just the opening result. Hibernian are trying to reach the group or league stage of a major European competition for the first time, while Malisheva are also chasing another milestone after winning their first-ever European tie to get this far.
A new challenge for Hibernian
Gray has made it clear he expects a difficult night. He described Malisheva as very aggressive and very intense, and said they thoroughly deserved to go through after the last round. He also warned that Hibernian will have to be at their best, saying complacency at this level can be punished.
That warning fits the stage of the competition. Hibernian finished fifth in the Scottish Premiership last season and secured European football in consecutive seasons for the first time in 50 years, but last year's run ended with a late defeat to Legia Warsaw in the play-off round. This tie is another chance to push one step further.
How Malisheva got here
Malisheva's rise has been quick. The club were formed in 2016 and started in the nation's fourth tier, before securing top-flight football for the first time in 2021. In 2024, they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Buducnost Podgorica after a 1-0 home win, and last season they were beaten 9-0 over two legs by Vikingur Reykjavik. This time, though, they arrive in this round after their first-ever European tie win.
The first leg is being played in Pristina, about an hour away from Malisheva's home ground, before next week's return leg at Easter Road. Gray said he is happy with where the squad is physically and expects them to get stronger, but the focus now is on making sure Hibernian start with the right intensity.
For Hibs, that means a careful balance: respecting the opponent, adapting to a different style of football, and making the most of a home second leg next week. If they handle the first match well, they will give themselves a real chance of moving one step closer to a historic breakthrough.
