Preview: Rot-Weiss Essen (H)

The Hibees host Rot-Weiss Essen this Wednesday (9 July) to kickstart 150th Anniversary celebrations; with kick-off at 7pm at Easter Road Stadium!

The match holds great significance as the German outfit were Hibs’ first opponent in the European Cup back in 1955, when the Hibees became the first British team to compete in European competition. Click here to find out more about the historic fixture.

This will mark the return of Rot-Weiss Essen to Leith after 70 years and to celebrate our Anniversary, there will be various activations and events around the ground on matchday – including the official unveiling of The Pat Stanton Stand!

The Club have also opened up a special fanzone outside the Pat Stanton Stand from 3:30pm for supporters to gather for a drink or a bite to eat – CLICK HERE for full details.

THE LOWDOWN

Following their return from the Netherlands, David Gray’s side continue their pre-season preparation with their first home match of the 2025/26 campaign.

A successful warm-weather training camp saw the lads get minutes in their legs following friendlies against German side MSV Duisburg and Dutch giants Ajax.

A goalless draw played out against Duisburg, before a nine-goal thriller treated viewers when Hibs faced Ajax – with the Amsterdam club running out 6-3 winners.

With several new arrivals and promising youngsters on the pitch, it was Martin Boyle, Junior Hoilett and Kieron Bowie who scored the goals at De Toekomst.

THE VISITORS

Managed by Uwe Koschinat, Rot-Weiss Essen currently compete in the 3. Liga – the third tier of German football.

After a tough start to the 2024/25 season – winning just four of their first 20 league matches – the German side won 12 of their last 18 league matches to surge up the table and finish in eighth place.

Rot-Weiss Essen also lifted the Lower Rhine Cup after defeating MSV Duisburg – who the Hibees faced in the Netherlands last week – in the final.

A strong start to their 2025/26 pre-season has seen RWE score 15 and concede just once in two matches against local lower-league clubs in the Essen area.

TICKETS

The best way to watch the action is by being there in person at Easter Road!

Tickets are priced from £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Please note, all 2025/26 Season Ticket Holders will receive a special discount for this fixture as part of their benefits package.

Tickets are available for home supporters in the Pat Stanton Stand and West Stand only for this fixture.

STREAMING

If you can’t get to the Stadium, the game has been made available for Hibs fans worldwide through the SolidSport platform.

Supporters can purchase the game via the SolidSport website for £7.

CLICK HERE to purchase a match pass!

Unfortunately, the match will not be able to watch on Hibs TV.