Hibernian remain behind Gent in their Conference League play-off tie after a Martin Boyle goal was controversially ruled out during the second leg at Easter Road.
Gent took the lead through Vergara, who scored after the Belgian side had already seen an early goal disallowed. The visitors' opener puts them ahead on aggregate after the sides drew 0-0 in Belgium last week.
Boyle thought he had levelled the tie when he found the net, but the goal was chalked off for handball — a decision that drew strong reactions around Easter Road. The Scottish side now need a goal in the remaining stages to force extra time or avoid elimination.
The tie is the final hurdle before the Conference League group stage, with Hibs aiming to join Hearts in the competition proper. Hearts have already secured their place, leaving Hibs as the last Scottish club still fighting to qualify through the play-offs.
It has been a difficult week for Scottish clubs in Europe. Rangers suffered a wretched night, losing on penalties to Jablonec, while Motherwell were overwhelmed 7-2 on aggregate by Freiburg. That leaves Hibs carrying Scottish hopes in the Conference League, with their fate still in the balance at Easter Road.
Gent's early disallowed goal came before Vergara's strike, and the pattern of the match has been shaped by fine margins. The first leg in Belgium produced no goals, setting up a tight second leg in Edinburgh, and the visitors have now found the breakthrough.
The handball call against Boyle is the defining moment so far. Replays suggested the ball may have struck his arm in the build-up, but the decision has been met with disbelief from the home support. Hibs have pushed for an equaliser since falling behind, but Gent have held firm.
With time running down, Hibs must find a response. The winner of this tie moves into the Conference League group stage, and the financial and sporting rewards that come with it. For now, Gent hold the advantage, and Hibs face a fight to keep their European campaign alive.
Source: Yahoo Sports