KAA Gent were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Hibernian in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifying tie on Thursday. The Belgian side dominated possession at the Planet Group Arena but lacked a cutting edge, leaving the return leg in Edinburgh next week perfectly poised.
This result was reported by www.aol.com. Gent have started their Jupiler Pro League season strongly with two consecutive wins, currently sitting fifth with six points. They have scored four goals and conceded just one. Their next league fixture is a key top-of-the-table clash against leaders Club Brugge KV on 30 August.
How did the match against Hibernian unfold?
Gent were the better side and created the majority of chances. Rik de Mil's athletic team controlled proceedings but lacked clinical finishing in front of goal. At the other end, goalkeeper and captain Davy Roef made one major save. He stopped a second-half penalty from 20-year-old Owen Elding. The spot-kick was awarded after defender Warren O'Hora was clattered into.
Hibernian keeper Raphael Sallinger did not have to make any real saves of note. The Scottish side, managed by David Gray, were defensively astute and played a mature, disciplined game. It was their third consecutive clean sheet in Europe, following a previous draw away to Shkendija.
What does this mean for the second leg?
Qualification for the Conference League group stage remains wide open. The winner of this tie can expect revenue exceeding £5 million and will play Thursday night football until Christmas. The second leg is next Thursday at Easter Road.
After this impressive away display, Hibernian are considered slight favourites by some for the home leg. Manager David Gray praised the performance but kept perspective. "It was a brilliant away performance," Gray said, "but we've achieved nothing yet." Gent will need to be more creative and efficient in the return to progress. The absence of the sidelined Matisse Samoise, listed on our injuries page, is a factor.
Where does Gent stand in the league?
Ahead of this European encounter, Gent made a perfect start to the Jupiler Pro League campaign. With two wins from two matches, they occupy fifth place in the standings. They boast a goal difference of +3. The team trails leaders Club Brugge KV by three points, whom they face this weekend.
That home match against Brugge, visible on our fixtures page, is an important benchmark for the season's ambitions. The focus now shifts first to Europe, where everything is on the line in Edinburgh. The full squad is available to view on our squad overview.
Elding's miss gave Gent a lifeline. Captain O'Hora described the halftime reaction. "Owen came in at half-time, said 'sorry about the penalty boys, but we're on top so let's keep going'." Gent must capitalise on such moments in the return. The chance to reach the group stage, after earlier laboured qualifying wins against Cherkasy and Gothenburg, is still very much alive.
