Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, E. Agius, N. Chukunyere (B. Camilleri), T. Scerri (R. Baldacchino), A. Cohen, M. Bartolo, C. Failla (J. Vella)

D. Bucharest: G. Moss, C. Pulhac, C. Moti, S. Margaritescu, C. Munteanu (S. Stanic), C. Niculescu, I. Danciulescu, G. Blay, R. Paduret (M. Mihut), S. Radu, I. Tames (I. Ganea)

Referee: I. Sakharov (Russia); Asst refs: A. Manahov, M. Novokshonov. 4th official: A. Tiumin

Scorers: I. Danciulescu, C. Niculescu (2), S. Radu

The very few who opted to turn up at Ta’ Qali stadium yesterday were in for yet another disappointing result by a Maltese side in European competition.

Hibernians went down heavily 4-0 to Dinamo Bucharest in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round to add to Birkirkara’s and Sliema’s defeats within a couple of days.

A young and rather inexperienced Hibernian side never really stood a chance against far more superior technical opponents from Romania, who dominated the proceedings from start to finish and made sure the return leg would be only a formality.

Although always second best, Hibernians managed to avoid further derision after dusting themselves well, conceding a very early goal which might have severely hampered their tactical plans.

But three fatal minutes at the start of the second half wrecked all of Hibernians’ hopes, who went on to concede another late goal on a miserable evening

Dinamo forged ahead as early as the third minute and many feared a goal deluge when Ionel Danciulescu beat keeper Muscat from close range.

Although restrained to chasing their opponents for long stretches, Hibernians also had their rare moments during the first period, their best being a Scerri headed deflection on Chukunyere’s cross which beat the keeper but the Dinamo defence cleared.

Dinamo threatened past the half hour. A Niculescu free-kick thumped against the bar and just before the break the Hibernians keeper stretched himself to keep out another Niculescu venomous shot.

Dinamo put in their most renowned striker Ganea at the start of the second half, making clear their attacking intent as Danciulescu tested Muscat with a low drive which the grounded goalkeeper saved on 56 minutes. That was the prelude to Dinamo’s double strike by Claudiu Niculescu within the following three minutes as he twice punished the Hibernians hesitant defence to beat Muscat from close range.

With Hibernians visibly demoralized, Dinamo continued to dictate play, create and waste further chances until Stefan Radu scored a fourth seven minutes from time. His close header on Niculescu free-kick, was parried by Muscat before Radu himself tapped in the rebound.

And in the final minutes, after Muscat pulled a superb save on a Ganea effort, Moti was sent off for Dinamo, following his second bookable offence.