Motherwell are due to face HB Torshavn at Fir Park in a Uefa Conference League second-round qualifier, with the match scheduled for 19:00 BST. It is the next step in their bid to stay in European competition, and the focus now shifts from the disappointment of another Scottish side to Motherwell's own task on home soil.
The timing matters because the Conference League qualifying stage leaves little room for error. Motherwell will know that a home tie offers a chance to take control before the return leg, and Fir Park should give them a familiar setting for a game that can shape their European summer.
European context around the tie
The build-up comes after a dramatic night for Hibs, whose first-leg defeat to Malisheva in Pristina was described by Thomas Duncan as being "disastrous for Hibs. Elation for Malisheva." He also said, "The Malisheva fans jump for joy. What a result for them, the best in their short history," and added that it was "one of Hibs' worst ever."
That result was a reminder of how quickly a qualifier can turn, even for a team with recent away experience in Europe. Last season, Hibs were unbeaten on the road against Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw, but they were beaten 2-0 by Malisheva in Kosovo and now need a comeback at Easter Road.
For Motherwell, the message is simpler: get the job done at Fir Park and keep the European campaign moving forward. HB Torshavn are the opponents, the second-round qualifier is the stage, and the chance is there for Motherwell to build a useful first-leg lead in front of their own supporters.
