Shkendija Tetovo and Hibernian played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return match. The Macedonian side frustrated the Scottish visitors with a disciplined defensive display, while Hibernian will feel they should have made more of their overall possession.

Match Overview

The match was a cautious affair, with both sides aware of the importance of avoiding a costly mistake in the first leg. Shkendija set up to stay compact and threaten on the break, while Hibernian enjoyed the majority of the ball and looked to create openings through wide areas. Despite several half-chances for both teams, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, and the match ended with the scores level at 0-0.

Key Moments

• Shkendija’s early warning: The home side carved out an early opportunity from a counter-attack, forcing Hibernian’s defence into a hurried clearance.
• Hibernian’s best spell: The Scottish club enjoyed sustained pressure after the interval, but a combination of resolute defending and wayward finishing kept the scoreline blank.
• Late stoppage-time scramble: The final minutes brought a late flurry of action, with Shkendija almost nicking a winner from a set-piece before Hibernian responded on the break.

Tactical Story

Shkendija were happy to concede territorial advantage and rely on their organisation, often dropping into a low block that left Hibernian frustrated. The visitors struggled to find a service to their striker, with most attacking moves breaking down around the edge of the box. Hibernian’s changes in the second half gave them fresh energy, but the final pass continued to let them down in the decisive moments.

What It Means for the Tie

The 0-0 draw means everything is still to play for in the second leg in Edinburgh. Hibernian will be slight favourites on home soil, but Shkendija have demonstrated they are well-drilled and dangerous on the break. With no away goals used as a tiebreaker in this competition, both sides will simply be aiming to win the return fixture and secure their place in the next round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.