KAA Gent have taken a significant step towards the UEFA Conference League group stage. Hein Vanhaezebroeck's side secured a 3-2 away victory at Hibernian in the first leg of their play-off tie on Thursday night.

The Scottish hosts took an early lead, but Gent turned the match around before half-time. Two first-half goals gave the Belgian team an advantage they would not relinquish, despite a late consolation from Hibernian. The second leg at the Ghelamco Arena takes place next week.

Head coach Hein Vanhaezebroeck expressed satisfaction with the result. "We achieved a good result in a difficult place," the Gent manager said. "It was important to score goals here, and we managed that."

Gent's full squad list and current injury report are available on our squad page. The team currently sits fifth in the Jupiler Pro League, with the complete standings accessible online. The home leg against Hibernian is the next European fixture on the fixtures calendar.

Match action

Hibernian opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour. The Scottish attack capitalised on a defensive error to slot the ball past the Gent goalkeeper. The visitors' response was swift. Within ten minutes, Gent equalised following a quick combination down the right flank.

Just before the break, the Belgian side took the lead. A cross from the left was headed home inside the penalty area, making it 1-2 at half-time. After the interval, Gent extended their advantage. A long-range effort from the edge of the box found the net via a deflection, making it 1-3.

Hibernian continued to fight and pulled a goal back late on. A header from a corner brought tension back into the closing minutes, but Gent held firm. The final score remained 2-3, giving the team a lead to protect at home.

Looking ahead

The return leg at the Ghelamco Arena is in exactly seven days. A goalless draw would then be enough for KAA Gent to progress to the Conference League group stage. Hein Vanhaezebroeck will have to assess how his squad recovers from the travel and the intense European encounter before that fixture.