Hibernian 0-1 Motherwell: Lukas Fadinger's goal secures fourth spot and European football for Well
Report as Motherwell secure fourth spot and European football with win over Hibernian at Easter Road; Lukas Fadinger scored the only goal of the game; Stephen Welsh had a goal disallowed following a VAR intervention; Elliot Watt sent off in the second half for visitors who held on for win
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:37, UK
Ten-man Motherwell secured European football amid a surreal atmosphere at Easter Road after Lukas Fadinger’s winner.
Fadinger fired home in the 35th minute to earn Well a 1-0 victory and fourth place in the Premiership ahead of Hibs, but the home fans ended the game celebrating their city rivals' last-gasp title challenge collapse.
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Stephen Welsh had a goal disallowed following a VAR intervention as Motherwell dominated but the complexion of the game changed suddenly when Elliot Watt received a second yellow card midway through the second half.
However, stand-in goalkeeper Matty Connelly did not have a save to make as Motherwell stood firm amid late pressure.
Motherwell secured entry to the Europa Conference League qualifiers while Hibs fans will be cheering on Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, with their European hopes dependent on the Hoops beating Dunfermline.
They had plenty of practice as news of Celtic's goals against Hearts in the title decider were greeted like their own team had scored.
The only other good news for the home fans came before the game when it was announced that Martin Boyle had signed a one-year contract extension after appearing to be on his way out of Easter Road.
As well as the defeat, there were concerning injuries for defenders Rocky Bushiri and Grant Hanley, whose hopes of going to the World Cup must now be in doubt.
DR Congo centre-back Bushiri looked particularly in trouble after being helped off by two physios after going down without any contact. His replacement, Scotland international Hanley, walked off gingerly after slipping and looked upset as he went down the tunnel.
Motherwell were without regular goalkeeper Calum Ward through injury and had Aston Oxborough on the bench after being recalled from a loan spell just before Dunfermline lost to Partick Thistle in the play-offs.
The visitors took control early on. Elijah Just and Regan Charles-Cook both came close from about 22 yards and Tawanda Maswanhise headed wide.
Welsh snuffed out the only sign of a Hibs chance in the first half with an excellent challenge on Nicky Cadden and Well soon went ahead.
Charles-Cook's cross found Fadinger on the edge of the box and he rode a tackle before firing a left-footed strike high into the net.
David Gray reacted to Motherwell's first-half domination by bringing on Dan Barlaser and Josh Mulligan for Joe Newell and Jamie McGrath in midfield.
But Motherwell continued to dominate. Raphael Sallinger saved from Maswanhise after Hibs were outnumbered on the break and the goalkeeper soon foiled Just.
Sallinger made a brilliant stop from Slattery's first-time volley and Welsh headed home from the midfielder's corner after Sallinger palmed the ball out from beneath his crossbar. Once again VAR delivered a blow to Motherwell as Just was penalised for having his arm around the goalkeeper's waist.
Walsh soon delivered a bigger blow by showing a second yellow card to Watt, who was slightly late on Miguel Chaiwa. The midfielder had been booked for a poor challenge on McGrath.
The closest Hibs came to a leveller was when Tom Sparrow made a brilliant goal-line clearance from Dane Scarlett and Ante Suto was off target twice as Hibs pressed in vain for an equaliser.
Berthel Askou: This has been my best year in football
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou:
"It feels wonderful. There was an eruption at the end because it's the culmination of a fantastic season.
"No matter the result, it wouldn't take anything away from the season. It has been immense but this win ties the perfect knot on something that has looked like being special for a long time.
"We played really well against a good team and the boys delivered again. The young men in that Motherwell dressing room will be remembered for a very long time for what they have done. I am extremely grateful to have been part of that.
"I will never forget this year. It has been my best in football. I have been lucky and blessed to have some really good seasons but this has turned out in a way we could only have dreamed of. I am proud to take the club into Europe and to do it this way.
"People will move on, especially the players. Time will tell what group will attack the new season. But the club knows what direction we are going in and has shown proof that we can do something different and be successful."
Gray's concerns over Rocky Bushiri and Grant Hanley injuries
Hibs head coach David Gray:
"We don't know the extent of it yet, he's [Bushiri] on crutches and in a boot just now, but it's always concerning when nobody's near you and you feel that contact.
"He felt like there was contact with him when there's no contact, which shows you something's happened. We just need to hope it's not as significant as it could be."
On Scotland international Hanley, Gray added: "Grant was more of an overstretch in his knee. He obviously was able to walk off the pitch which is always a benefit, but that one's a little bit too soon to know exactly the extent of it as well."
