0-0 away from home against a Belgian Pro League side unbeaten early in their domestic season. For Hibernian, that result in Ghent on Thursday night represents one of the more significant European results in the club's recent history — and manager David Gray was not shy in saying so.

"A massive performance and massive result, away from home in Europe against a very good side," Gray told reporters after the final whistle at the Planet Group Arena. He was equally measured, however: "We've achieved nothing yet."

What Hibs did well

The defensive structure was the story. Centre-backs Warren O'Hora, Jason Kerr and Jordan Obita kept a clean sheet for the third successive game, and goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was not seriously tested throughout. Gent dominated the ball and created pressure in spells, particularly in the opening stages, but their lack of a clinical edge meant it never translated into genuine danger.

Gray highlighted the midfield contribution of Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa as especially impressive. "They've got a lot of threats but we restricted them to very few chances," he said. "The discipline, organisation, but also belief in the game plan."

This was also Hibs' second composed away performance in consecutive European ties, following a mature display at Shkendija in North Macedonia the previous week. The pattern is deliberate, not accidental.

The penalty moment

The closest the tie came to being settled on the night arrived when O'Hora was brought down and a penalty was awarded. Owen Elding, 20, took responsibility — not unreasonably, given Josh Campbell had converted from the spot to silence Ibrox fewer than two weeks earlier. Elding's effort searched for the corner but Gent captain and goalkeeper Davy Roef reacted sharply to save it (Roef had already been called upon from the spot in Gent's earlier qualifying round against Cherkasy, so this was familiar territory for him).

Elding's response was, by all accounts, notable. "Owen came in at half-time, said 'sorry about the penalty boys, but we're on top so let's keep going'," O'Hora said. "That's just the way he is. He didn't shy away from things, he just keeps going."

What is at stake

A place in the UEFA Conference League league phase carries a prize pot reported at more than £5 million. Should Hibs progress, they would become the first Hibernian side to reach that stage of European competition. The second leg is at Easter Road, where a sold-out home support will back the Edinburgh side as they look to defend their advantage.

Gent are no makeweights — they came through a tie against Gothenburg to reach this stage and arrived in the qualifier unbeaten domestically. That context makes the clean sheet more meaningful. Hibs are, on the evidence of two legs of European football so far this summer, a well-organised, disciplined side with a clear identity. Whether they can add the attacking threat Gray acknowledged was missing in Belgium remains the question for next week.

The tie is firmly in Hibs' hands. 90 minutes at Easter Road — or more, if required — to make history.

Frequently asked

When is the Hibs vs Gent second leg?
The second leg takes place at Easter Road the following week. The exact kick-off time will be confirmed by UEFA, but it is expected to be a Thursday evening fixture.
What do Hibs need to reach the Conference League proper?
Hibs need to avoid defeat over the second leg to progress on aggregate from their 0-0 first-leg draw. If the tie finishes level on aggregate after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and potentially penalties.
How much money do Hibs earn from the Conference League league phase?
According to reports, qualification for the Conference League league phase would be worth more than £5 million to the club.