Shamrock Rovers and TNS (The New Saints) have both been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the first round of qualifying, as reported in Wednesday’s football news. Shamrock Rovers suffered a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Icelandic club Breidablik, while TNS faced a 5-1 aggregate defeat against Swedish side Hacken. In other matches, Maccabi Haifa enjoyed a comfortable victory in front of 30,000 fans in Israel.
Shamrock Rovers’ hopes of progressing in the Champions League were dashed after a 1-0 deficit from the first leg led to a 3-1 aggregate defeat against Breidablik. The Icelandic club took full advantage of their home ground and extended their lead in the tie with a goal from Jason Svanthorsson. In the 16th minute, Svanthorsson embarked on a brilliant solo run and found the back of the net from close range.
Similarly, Welsh club TNS (The New Saints) faced disappointment after a 2-0 defeat to Swedish side Hacken, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate loss. Hacken dominated the match, with Ibrahim Sadiq (19′) and Momodou Lamin Sonko (90+1′) scoring the decisive goals. Despite the defeat, TNS manager Craig Harrison expressed pride in his team’s effort and performance against a strong opponent.
Other results from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers included Zalgiris Vilnius’ 2-1 win over North Macedonian club Struga, securing their place in the second qualifying round. Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol also advanced to the next round after an extra-time victory against Romanian outfit Farul Constanta.
In the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying, Maltese club Balzan secured a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win against Slovenia’s Domzale. Balzan initially held a comfortable 4-1 advantage from the first leg but had to endure extra time after Domzale mounted a comeback, taking a 3-0 lead in normal time. However, Balzan clinched victory with a goal in the 94th minute and managed to hold on despite going down to ten men.
The UEFA Champions League and Europa Conference League qualifiers continue to showcase intense competition as clubs fight for a coveted place in the group stages of European football’s most prestigious tournaments.
