​Hibernian are a step closer to preparing for European football after earning a 1-1 draw with Porto in Portugal, according to head coach David Gray. Borja Sainz put Porto ahead just before halftime, but Felix Passlack struck back in the second half to level the score. Gray praised the match as a valuable exercise that tested his squad against a high-calibre side, noting that while the result was positive, there remains plenty to improve.
The closed-doors friendly at the Jorge Costa Training and Sports Development Centre provided Hibs with valuable game time ahead of their Conference League qualifier. They will face either KF Vllaznia Shkodër or KF Malisheva in the second qualifying round, with the first leg set to take place away from home on July 23. Vllaznia currently lead their first qualifying tie 2-1, and the second leg in Kosovo will determine who advances, as Hibs travel to face the winner before hosting the return leg.
Gray described the camp as short but beneficial and explained that the trip served as a test for Europe travel logistics. The plan included traveling the day before the match, training on arrival, playing, and then heading home overnight to mimic the European campaign’s realities, especially for players who have not yet experienced European competition. He thanked FC Porto for agreeing to the fixture and for fielding a strong side, saying it provided a robust challenge that gave the squad confidence while highlighting areas to develop ahead of European fixtures.
The result signifies a tangible step toward readiness for European competition, Gray added. The progress comes at a favorable time as the club prepares for the upcoming fixtures and the broader European push, underscoring the forward momentum heading into their continental schedule.
Recent signings Azeem Abdulai, Jason Kerr, and Callum Wright started for Hibs, with Martin Boyle captaining the side. Gray emphasized that minutes on the pitch remain crucial for building fitness and sharpness. He highlighted next weekend’s home tie against Brøndby as a key opportunity to accumulate substantial minutes for the squad before the European real tests begin.
“We’ve got the home fixture against Brøndby to look forward to now, and the players are all in excellent condition for that one,” Gray stated. He stressed that the upcoming match would be a significant chance to consolidate form and ensure the squad is ready for the demands of European competition.
The coach noted that Callum Wright started the season a little later but was able to contribute a solid 45 minutes, while Azeem Abdulai played 45 minutes in midweek and then reached 60 minutes in the Porto game. Josh Mulligan also completed a full 90 minutes, a workout Gray believes will yield long-term benefits as the season progresses and players continue to adapt to higher-level competition. With several players returning to full fitness and others continuing to build match sharpness, Gray feels the squad is beginning to take shape ahead of the European campaigns.
As Hibs look ahead to their European journey, the focus remains on refining tactical execution, improving fitness levels, and building cohesion across the squad. The club’s leadership is optimistic that the blend of returning players, new signings, and extended minutes in pre-season tests will translate into strong performances in the Conference League qualifiers and beyond, reinforcing the message that Hibernian are closing in on the step required to compete successfully on the European stage.