Hibernian FC is gearing up for a challenging start to their 2025-26 European campaign as they prepare to face Denmark's FC Midtjylland in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. This fixture, drawn on June 18, 2025, at the House of European Football in Switzerland, sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter between two sides with rich recent European experience and strong domestic credentials.
FC Midtjylland, based in Herning, Denmark, are a club born from the merger of Ikast FS and Herning Fremad. They compete in the Danish Superliga, Denmark's top-flight league, where they have secured the championship title four times, most recently in 2024. Last season, Midtjylland finished a close second in the Superliga, falling just one point short of champions FC Copenhagen. This near miss underscores the competitive quality that Hibernian will face on their trip to Denmark.
On the European front, Midtjylland's 2024 campaign was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. They began their journey in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers with convincing aggregate wins over Santa Coloma (4-0) and Hungarian side Ferencváros (3-1). However, their Champions League aspirations were dashed in the play-off round by Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava, losing narrowly 4-3 on aggregate.
Dropping into the UEFA Europa League, Midtjylland competed in the league phase against a strong field. Their notable victories included wins against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Ludogrets Razgrad. They also managed draws with TSG Hoffenheim and Fenerbahce but suffered defeats to FCSB, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Porto. Finishing 20th out of 36 teams in the league phase allowed them to progress to the knockout phase play-offs, where they faced Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad. Unfortunately for Midtjylland, they were eliminated after a 2-1 home defeat followed by a 5-2 loss away, ending their European run for the season.
Owned by Denmark's richest man, Anders Holch Povlsen, Midtjylland boasts significant financial backing and ambition. Their history against Scottish opposition is mixed; Rangers secured a 7-3 aggregate victory over them in the Europa League third qualifying round in 2019-20, while Celtic were narrowly defeated 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League second qualifying round in 2021-22. These past encounters add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming ties.
For Hibernian, who finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season, the draw against Midtjylland represents a tough but exciting challenge. David Gray’s men, unseeded in the draw, will play the first leg away at Midtjylland’s MCH Multi Arena in Herning on July 24, 2025, before hosting the return leg at Easter Road on July 31, 2025. The sequence of these fixtures means Hibs must be sharp on the road to set themselves up for a positive result at home.
The stakes for Hibernian are considerable. Unlike some clubs who might have guaranteed European football regardless of early results, Hibs’ European journey at this stage is precarious. Should they win the tie, they will progress to the third qualifying round (QR3) of the Europa League, inheriting the seeded status of the club they eliminate. The draw for QR3 is scheduled for July 21, 2025, before the QR2 matches take place, allowing Hibs to anticipate their next opponents.
However, if Hibernian falter against Midtjylland, their European adventure will not end there. They would drop into the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, where they would be unseeded and face a new set of challenges. To reach the league phase of the Conference League, Hibs would need to win two two-legged ties in the qualifying rounds. This safety net ensures that Hibernian remain active in European competition regardless of the outcome against Midtjylland.
David Gray faces a significant task in preparing his squad for this demanding fixture. The Scottish Cup outcome last month saw Aberdeen lift the trophy, which affected the distribution of European places in Scotland. Aberdeen’s victory secured them a spot in the Europa League play-off round and a guaranteed parachute into the Conference League proper, meaning Hibs do not enjoy the same direct route and must navigate the qualifying rounds carefully.
Midtjylland’s European pedigree and recent domestic form suggest they will be formidable opponents. Their ability to compete closely with top European clubs and their narrow miss of the Danish title last season highlight their quality. Meanwhile, Hibernian will be motivated to prove their mettle on the continental stage and secure a place in the lucrative and prestigious league phases of European competition.
The upcoming matches promise to be intense and tactical battles, with both sides aware of the fine margins that separate success from setback in European football. Fans of both clubs are eagerly anticipating the first leg in Denmark, a venue that has witnessed Midtjylland’s rise and ambition. The return leg at Easter Road will be equally crucial, with the atmosphere expected to be electric as Hibs seek to overturn or consolidate the first leg’s result.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, the broader context of European football for both clubs is significant. Midtjylland’s experience in the Champions League and Europa League, combined with their financial backing, positions them as a club on the rise in Scandinavia and Europe. Hibernian’s recent domestic performances and European qualifications reflect their ambitions to re-establish themselves as a consistent presence on the continental stage.
As the summer progresses, both clubs will be finalizing preparations, managing player fitness, and refining tactics to maximize their chances. The Europa League qualifying rounds are notoriously unpredictable, and both teams will need to bring their best to secure progression.
In summary, the Europa League second qualifying round tie between Hibernian and FC Midtjylland sets up a compelling contest between two ambitious clubs with contrasting histories but shared aspirations. With the first leg scheduled for July 24 in Denmark and the return leg on July 31 at Easter Road, the coming weeks will be pivotal for both sides’ European ambitions.
The outcome will shape their paths in European competition this season, either advancing in the Europa League or navigating the Conference League qualifiers. For Hibs and their supporters, this is a moment to embrace the challenge and demonstrate resilience and quality on the continental stage.
