Legia Warsaw — Hibernian : Match Preview and Prediction for August 28,2025

Legia Warsaw’s European Ambitions

The Polish Cup and Super Cup winners made a coaching change this summer. Instead of former player and defender Gustavo Feio, the ‘Dark Whites’ management appointed the more experienced Romanian, Edward Iordănescu. While they unfortunately failed to qualify for the Europa League, where Legia’s European campaign initially commenced this summer, the hosts are now making a strong push for a spot in the Conference League. They laid down a significant marker by defeating Hibernian 2-1 in the first leg in Scotland, thanks to crucial first-half goals from Nsame and Wszołek.

Home Dominance and Key Absences

Consequently, Legia has secured three victories in their last four matches. This summer, the Warsaw side has been particularly formidable at their home ground, Wojska Polskiego Stadium, where they boast an impressive record of four wins and a single draw in their last five games since the season’s start. In European competitions, Legia has demonstrated clear dominance at home, achieving a 1-0 victory against Aktobe, a 2-1 win against Cypriot AEK, and another 2-1 triumph against Czech Baník. Therefore, bookmakers are justifiably considering the hosts as favorites against Hibernian. However, Legia will be without experienced midfielder Claude Gonçalves in the match against the Scots, who recently sustained an ankle injury.

Hibernian’s European Journey

The Scottish collective, with its Irish roots, finished third in the SPL last season, thereby earning the right to play in the Europa League qualifiers. However, from there, the charges of the relatively inexperienced 37-year-old coach David Gray were knocked out by Danish side Midtjylland (1-1, 1-2 including extra time). Subsequently, in the Conference League, the ‘Green and Whites’ successfully navigated past Serbian Partizan (2-0, 2-3 including extra time).

Tactical Approach and Player Absence

It’s worth noting Hibernian’s rather open style of play, which arguably hampered their strategic approach against the Polish team in the first leg. Now, following their home defeat, they will be compelled to push forward in Warsaw, inevitably exposing them to sharp counter-attacks from the hosts. Legia, undoubtedly, holds a distinct advantage in European experience, considering their recent years in continental competitions. Experienced midfielder Joe Newell will be unavailable for the game due to injury.