Hibernians beat FC Levadia Tallinn 3-2 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday night.
Ferdinando Apap returned from suspension and new signing Yunusa Owikabi Muritala started on the bench.
Hibernians got off to a perfect start when Apap met a cross from Zachary Grech to head past Vallner with just over a quarter of an hour played. One up and deserved as the Malta champions looked in complete control.
It was 2-0 to Hibernians just before the half hour when a thrusting attach saw Dunstan Vella hit the post, the ball rebounding to Groothusen who sent the ball back across the box and found captain Jurgen Degabriele whose header sailed past the Tallinn keeper.
Hibs were on top throughout the first half with Tallinn limited to long range attempt by Putincanin who could only watch his shot sail way up and over the crossbar.
The second half saw Hibernians continue where they left off. Apap was a constant threat with strong runs at the Tallinn defenders. Diakite had a header cleared off the line and got a thump for his troubles but he was fit to carry on.
Levadia Tallinn got back into the tie when Maximillano Ugge’s header beat Kone with 87 minutes on the clock.
That galvanised Tallinn who then scored a second in extra time.
Not the end Hibernians would have wanted but on this performance a 3-2 lead may well be enough when they meet in Tallinn in a week’s time.
