Hibernian has managed to draw their encounter against Luzern after goals from Elie Youan and Martin Boyle in Switzerland. The draw has helped the Hibs to secure a 5-3 aggregate win over the rivals, as a result of which they are through to the Europa Conference League qualifying third round and will now face off against Aston Villa in the play-off for group stages at Easter Road on August 24.
After Luzern had closed the gap on the overall score to one goal, Youan gave Hibs the lead early on and then set up Boyle to square the game in the 73rd minute. Last week at Easter Road, Hibs increased their lead after the first leg, and they continued where they left off by attacking their opponents. Josh Campbell shot directly at the home goalkeeper while Boyle was given a penalty for catching his opponent while in the penalty area.
Youan’s goal in the 10th minute gave Hibs a three-goal advantage overall. After a Luzern throw-in, the wide player picked up the stray ball on the halfway line, sprinted to the edge of the box, and fired a shot that hit a defender and bounced over the goalkeeper.
Six minutes later, Luzern responded after Hibs was put on the back foot by a change of play. Despite an outstanding save by David Marshall, Jakub Kadak was able to score from six yards away when the ball was cut back across the goal.
The threat from Hibs persisted, and Dylan Vente scored from six yards with no resistance. After a quick burst of brilliance by Boyle, Nicky Beloko grabbed his arm, causing him to fall just outside the box, but the referee continued to play.
Prior to half-time, Pius Dorn twice came close to scoring for Luzern but was stopped by Marshall and then cleared by Vente with a header. After the break, Hibs defended strongly, and Dylan Levitt was forced out with an injury after rolling his ankle when blocking a shot in the 52nd minute.
Midway through the half, home pressure paid off when Kemal Ademi positioned himself goal-side of Paul Hanlon at a corner and converted a free header from five yards. But when Hibs scored on the counter-attack after the ball was sent forward in Lucerne, they ended any further momentum that their hosts could have gained.
Defender Marco Burch attempted to seize the Hibs winger’s jersey after being outmuscled by Youan. After receiving Yoaun’s arm in his throat, Burch strangely stopped trying to get a free kick of his own, but the referee continued to play, and Youan reached the byline.
Boyle met Youan’s cutback from six yards out, escaped his defender, and sent a left-footed strike under the goalie to excite the Hibs supporters.
