UEFA Champions League | Hibernians 0 – FC Salzburg 3

Despite playing the first leg at home, Hibernians started this match as the underdogs due to the strength of the opposition. In fact, FC Salzburg are well established in European football as they made it to the group stages of the Europa League in recent years.

The strength of Salzburg was evident from the start. After just two minutes, Valentino Lazaro’s shot from just inside the penalty area was parried for a corner by Andrew Hogg.

The Paolites conceded on the 31st minute. Munas Dabbur sent a cross that was handled by Jackson Lima and the referee pointed towards the spot. From the elven metres mark, Valon Berisha converted past Hogg.

Salzburg doubled their advantage four minutes later. Hee-Chan Hwang received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a low shot that gave Hogg no chance.

Hibernians replied on the 38th minute. Jorginho went on a good run inside the penalty area before firing a shot that went slightly over.

Salzburg started the second half on the attack looking to score more goals and were close on the 46th minute. Berisha sent a shot that took a deflection off a defender and ended up wide for a corner.

On the 50th minute, Hogg was on the alert and made an important block. Lazaro went inside the penalty area past two defenders but found Hogg in his way.

Four minutes later, Salzburg made it 3-0. Dabbur fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was parried by Hogg. Rebound fell for Takumi Minamino who placed the ball inside an open goal.

The Austrian side nearly added another on the 57th minute. Dabbur received the ball inside the goal area and sent a close range shot that went slightly over.

Mark Miller’s side tried to hit back on the 64th minute. Rui da Garcia tried his luck from distance but his shot went off target.

On the 81st minute, Andreas Ulmer of Salzburg hit a powerful shot that sailed wide.

Salzburg ended up in ten men on the 86th minute. Berisha was shown a straight red card by the referee following a dangerous challenge on Rodolfo Soares.

In the additional time given by the referee, Joseph Mbong of Hibernians tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area but his shot sailed off target.

A minute later, Jurgen Degabriele hit a strong shot from inside the penalty area that was blocked by Alexander Walke.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Martin Kreuzriegler, Rui da Garcia, Jackson Lima, Rodolfo Soares, Marcelo Dias, Bjorn Kristensen, Clayton Failla, Johan Bezzina, Andrei Agius, Jorginho

FC Salzburg starting line-up: Alexander Walke, Paulo Miranda, Duje Caleta-Car, Reinhold Yabo, Diadie Samassekou, Munas Dabbur, Valentino Lazaro, Valon Berisha, Andreas Ulmer, Takumi Minamino, Hee-Chan  Hwang

Referee: Fran Jovic (Croatia)

Assistant Referees: Ivica Modric, Hrvoje Radic

Fourth Official: Igor Pajac