It was a bitter night for Hibernian in EuropeJack Ross, Hibernian head coach, says that defender Darren McGregor from Hibernian is'sore after his crucial sending-off in the Scottish Premiership club’s exit.McGregor's dismissal led to Rijeka sailing to victory in the Europa Conference League 3rd-round qualifier.After the defender was sent off, Issah Abuss scored twice and Denis Busnja scored. After Domagoj Pavicic’s opening goal, Kyle Magennis had scored for Hibs.Ross said, "Mistakes can happen." Ross said that the red card alone has no impact but that the goal immediately after it does."Everyone who knows Darren is aware of how sore he feels at the moment." He has no complaints."In the first 90 seconds of a slow start, Ross' defense gave Rijeka an opportunity. Abass was able to find plenty of space in the Hibs box, but couldn't help but nod.Hibs expected an open game and it turned out to be. Both sides were up and down the field. Rijeka was the more lively of the two, while the Scots, who were not getting close to their opponents' goal, looked to counter-attack.Hibs' European tie was broken by fine margins. After Martin Boyle had registered Hibs first shot with a strong curling effort, Rijeka stormed to the other end and won the right to proceed before the interval.They played down the right repeatedly and it paid off. Pavicic was able to take Prince Ampem's cross and Ross was given the task, half-time team talk.Although his men had made a few openings, Rijeka might have been beyond reach. Hibs can cause problems by creating space and shooting on target with Kevin Nisbet, however.The goal was then scored. Magennis pounced on a loose ball in Rijeka's half and punished the Croats by a low effort.Although the game seemed to be turning, it fell apart on Hibs in a matter of minutes. McGregor was the first to bring down Jorge Obregon at his box's edge. Referee Donatas Simenas was already on a booking and could not help but flash the red card.The tie was then broken by Abass' combination. His corner first sailed through a sea body to reach the net, before Paul McGinn won the header.Hibs was playing his 100th European game, but Busnja's final kick into the net and solo effort made it a bittersweet one. Hibs' journey to the third qualifying round ends with the Croats facing PAOK of Greece.Man of the Match: Issah AbussAbass (right), was Rijeka's constant threat and scored twice.What have we learned?Although there wasn't much to the tie, Hibs can't defend the way they did in 20 minutes and still expect to win.Ross will find positives in how his side played spells. However, it was a learning curve at the end. They were punished for their mistakes.They said it!Jack Ross, Hibernian head coach: "We knew that we were playing against an extremely tough team. We played to-toe-toe against a strong team that had an electric atmosphere."We need to be stronger. It is a difficult one for us.Next stepsKilmarnock will host him in the 16th Scottish League Cup match on Sunday at 14:00 BST. A capacity crowd will be allowed for the first time since 2020.
