There is something quietly romantic about these early rounds of European football — the unfamiliar crests, the grounds you have to look up on a map, the sense that the continent has opened up in a way that the league season never quite manages. Hibernian get their slice of that this month when they face Malisheva of Kosovo in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

It is a tie that came together only after Malisheva made something of a statement in the first round. The Kosovan side went to Albania to face Vllaznia and came away from the first leg 2-1 down — a deficit that, for most clubs at this level, would feel fairly final. Instead, they returned home and absolutely demolished their opponents 5-0 in the second leg, progressing 6-2 on aggregate. That sort of turnaround does not happen by accident, and David Gray's squad will have noted it.

Malisheva finished as runners-up in the Kosovo Superleague last season, which earns them their seat at Europe's table. They are not a household name on these shores, and the market will reflect that when odds are posted, but anyone tempted to treat this as a formality ought to have another look at that second-leg scoreline.

The schedule and what it means for Easter Road

Hibs will be away from home for the first leg on 23 July, heading out to Kosovo before returning to Edinburgh for the second leg at Easter Road on 30 July. That sequencing matters. Going away first gives Gray's men an early read of their opponents and a chance to bring something back to defend — or, better still, a lead to protect in front of their own supporters.

The ranking gap is notable. Hibs sit more than 100 places above Malisheva in UEFA's club coefficient rankings, which reflects the structural advantage a Scottish Premiership club carries into ties like this. But rankings are exactly that — a historical record, not a guarantee of what happens on the night.

Hibs finished fifth in the Scottish Premiership last season under Gray, and European qualification at that level speaks to a reasonable campaign without quite reaching the heights the club's support would hope for. A run through the Conference League qualifying rounds would represent genuine momentum heading into the new domestic season, and there is real incentive to progress — both financially and in terms of confidence.

Scottish clubs in Europe this July

Hibs are not alone in venturing into Europe this month. Hearts face a considerably stiffer examination in the form of Austrian side Sturm Graz, who they will meet in the second qualifying round of the Champions League — a tie that will command plenty of attention north of the border. Meanwhile, Motherwell take on Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands in the second round of Conference League qualifying, a draw that puts the Steelmen in a strong position on paper.

There is a pleasant tradition to all of this — Scottish clubs fanning out across the continent in July, testing themselves against names that most supporters will need to look up. Some ties end in disappointment, others deliver a run that the away end will talk about for years. Easter Road has hosted some memorable European nights over the decades, and the 30 July fixture will give the home support the chance to add another.

Whether Malisheva's momentum from that stunning second-leg victory carries into this tie remains to be seen. Gray and his staff will be preparing properly — they have had the tie confirmed and the dates in the diary. The job now is to make sure Hibs are the ones celebrating come the end of July.

Frequently asked

When do Hibs play Malisheva in the Conference League?
Hibernian face Malisheva in the first leg away in Kosovo on 23 July, with the second leg at Easter Road in Edinburgh on 30 July.
Who are Malisheva and what league do they play in?
Malisheva are a Kosovan football club who finished as runners-up in the Kosovo Superleague last season, earning their place in UEFA Conference League qualifying.
How did Malisheva qualify to face Hibs?
Malisheva came from 2-1 down on aggregate to beat Albanian side Vllaznia 5-0 in their second leg, progressing 6-2 on aggregate in the first qualifying round.