Scottish clubs record two defeats, one win and a draw in European qualifying

Scottish clubs suffered two defeats, recorded one victory and earned one draw in European qualifying matches across Lisbon, Poland, Finland and North Macedonia this midweek.

Following a disappointing World Cup for fans north of the border, the start to European qualifying was mixed: Hearts dropped from Champions League contention into Europa League qualifying earlier in the summer, while Hibernian and Motherwell had progressed in Conference League ties last week. This week's fixtures produced a report card of two defeats, one win and a draw for Scottish sides as they negotiate the early rounds of continental competition.

Rangers, competing in the Europa League, stumbled to a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, a result that prompted manager Derek McInnes to say he had witnessed "a lot of what I thought Rangers were last season". Supporters voiced concern after two matches under McInnes, with one fan, Peter, writing: "I'm sorry but I don't see anything to get excited about after two games. The talent on the bench and the lack of talent on the pitch sums up a lot for me. This is going to be a long season."

Hearts suffered a heavy 6-1 first-leg loss to Benfica in Lisbon, a game head coach Wouter Vrancken described as featuring a first-half collapse. Some supporters found cause for optimism after the second-half display; Paul wrote: "We probably deserved to be 3-0 down at half-time, but the final scoreline felt harsh and arguably flattered a fabulous Benfica side. I'm proud of how our lads fought back in the second half with gutsy, attractive play and a great goal but sadly conceding two late goals undermined the much improved competitiveness shown after having moved to a back three. I was encouraged by what I saw, especially after half-time, but we simply must stop gifting soft goals to opponents."

Hibernian secured a 2-1 lead over Shkendija to take to North Macedonia, but fans expressed reservations about the performance and squad balance. David commented: "A tough watch but got the win in the end. We lack creativity in the midfield without Jamie McGrath and need more direct wingers. I feel the recruitment has thrown David Gray under the bus this summer." Other supporters urged patience while seeking improvements in intensity and midfield linkage.

Motherwell extended an unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw against HJK Helsinki in Finland, a result that supporters viewed as a platform for the return leg. James wrote: "Not a bad performance at all. The pitch looked poor. We looked good in possession but our weakened squad showed towards the end. Still, we're unbeaten, and have a great chance next week but let's take care of Falkirk first. We still really need an out-and-out goalscorer." The club's early-season form and the draw in Finland prompted praise for manager Alfred Johansson, with some fans saying he "has made a great start."

Former Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan, speaking on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, urged perspective while assessing the group results: "There's still a lot to play for in the ties outside Hearts, which was was always going to be a big ask. Yes, we can talk about Scottish teams in Europe, but Benfica are one of the most elite teams in Europe. You look at some of the players they bring through year on year. Rangers, on the other hand, I still feel they'll come through that tie. No point messing about, it was a really poor performance on and off the ball again. Hibs proved they could show some good European performances last season, I think they'll be able to do that and come through the tie. So not all doom and gloom."

Hearts now look bound for the Conference League play-off round and Rangers could join them if they cannot overturn their 2-1 deficit at Ibrox next Thursday; Hibernian travel to North Macedonia holding a 2-1 advantage and Motherwell return to Fir Park after a 1-1 draw in Finland.