Hibernian moved closer to European readiness with a 1-1 draw against Porto in a pre-season friendly on 23 July 2026. Felix Passlack's second-half equalizer canceled out Borja Sainz's opener, giving David Gray's side a confidence boost ahead of their Conference League qualifying campaign.
What happened in the match?
Porto took the lead just before halftime through Borja Sainz, but Hibernian responded with a well-worked goal from Felix Passlack in the second period. The match, played behind closed doors at Porto's training center, provided valuable minutes for key players like Martin Boyle, Azeem Abdulai, and Callum Wright.
Why does this matter for Hibernian?
Head coach David Gray emphasized the importance of the test against a top European side, stating, "It was a really good exercise for what we set out to do." The match served as a dress rehearsal for Hibernian's upcoming Conference League qualifiers, with Gray highlighting the logistical challenges of traveling and playing in Europe.
What comes next for Hibernian?
Hibernian will face either Vllaznia or Malisheva in the second qualifying round, with the first leg scheduled for 23 July 2026. Gray's side will also play Brondby in a final pre-season friendly before turning their focus to European competition. The match against Porto was part of a short but beneficial training camp designed to prepare the team for the demands of European football.
Player updates and squad progress
Recent signings Azeem Abdulai, Jason Kerr, and Callum Wright all featured prominently, with Wright making his first appearance after missing the start of pre-season. Josh Mulligan played the full 90 minutes, benefiting from the extended game time after a challenging end to last season. Gray noted, "The squad is starting to take shape," as the team builds towards their European campaign.
