Hibernian are on their way into UEFA Conference League qualifying action this month, with David Gray's side set to face Malisheva of Kosovo across two legs before the end of July.

The Kosovan outfit, who finished as runners-up in the Kosovo Superleague last season, booked their place in the second round with a stunning comeback against Albanian club Vllaznia. After going down 2-1 in the first leg, Malisheva produced an emphatic 5-0 victory in the return fixture to progress 6-2 on aggregate — form that will demand Hibs take nothing for granted despite their significantly superior UEFA coefficient ranking.

Hibs are ranked more than 100 places higher than their incoming opponents on the European ladder, and the noises out of Easter Road will be of cautious confidence. But Malisheva's six-goal aggregate dismantling of Vllaznia is a reminder that early-round European ties can spring surprises on clubs who underestimate the threat.

The schedule

Gray's squad head away for the first leg on 23 July, before returning to Easter Road to host the second leg on 30 July. Winning the tie on aggregate would push Hibs further into the qualifying rounds and edge them closer to the Conference League group phase — a competition that can transform a club's European standing and bring welcome income.

Scottish clubs in Europe this month

Hibs are not alone in facing European action in July. There is plenty for Scottish football supporters to follow:

  • Hearts face Austrian heavyweights Sturm Graz in the second round of Champions League qualifying — a tie that represents a significant test for the Tynecastle club.
  • Motherwell meet Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands in the second round of Conference League qualifying.

It is a busy period for the Scottish Premiership's European contingent, with the outcomes of these ties likely to shape each club's finances and ambitions for the season ahead.

What to expect from Malisheva

Malisheva may be an unfamiliar name to Scottish supporters, but their aggregate performance against Vllaznia — a side with a long history in Albanian football — shows they are no pushover at this stage of the competition. Their ability to flip a first-leg deficit so convincingly suggests a team with genuine tactical organisation and attacking intent. Hibs will need to be at their sharpest, particularly on the road in the first leg, to avoid handing the Kosovans the foothold they need.

The market will make Hibs firm favourites over the two legs, and the ranking gap between the clubs supports that view. But European qualifying football rarely follows the script, and Gray's side will be well aware that nothing is settled until the final whistle at Easter Road on 30 July.

Frequently asked

When do Hibs play Malisheva in the Conference League?
The first leg takes place on 23 July away in Kosovo, with the second leg at Easter Road on 30 July.
Who are Malisheva and where are they from?
Malisheva are a football club from Kosovo who finished as runners-up in the Kosovo Superleague last season. They reached the second qualifying round by beating Albanian side Vllaznia 6-2 on aggregate.
Which other Scottish clubs are playing in Europe this month?
Hearts face Sturm Graz of Austria in Champions League qualifying, while Motherwell take on Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands in Conference League qualifying — both in the second round.