In the second leg of the Europa League’s third qualifying round, Shamrock Rovers achieved an extraordinary 3-1 win over Celje in extra time (AET), with goals from Watts, Farrugia, and Burke (Watts 37, Farrugia 40, Burke 96; Karnicnik). The aggregate victory was a 3-2 triumph for Shamrock Rovers.
Showcasing their best performance of the season, Rovers’ manager Stephen Bradley saw one of his primary objectives realised – participation in European group stage football. The evening started on a high note, with the team delivering a vigorous first-half performance that resulted in a 2-0 lead at the interval. The compelling match experienced numerous twists and turns but culminated with a decisive goal by substitute Graham Burke during extra time, securing victory for Rovers.
This marked the record third time that Shamrock Rovers, or any League of Ireland team, had qualified for the group stage, doubly remarkable as it was confirmed at their home ground, Tallaght Stadium. Consequently, Rovers can definitely look forward to group stage football in the Conference League, with an impending play-off round match against Greece’s PAOK in the Europa League. The first leg of this match will take place in Thessaloniki the following week, with the certain prospect of a prize fund of around €4 million.
Rovers entered the match trailing 1-0 but quickly established their dominance. In just the second minute of play, Neil Farrugia set up Aaron Greene for a compelling opportunity, leading to a corner for Rovers. Farrugia again seemed threatening ten minutes later when he advanced into the penalty area, though this attack ultimately fizzled out. Both sides had their moments, but the crucial stages of the first half occurred in a thrilling four-minute window when Rovers found the net twice.
In the 35th minute of the match, an incident involving Greene and goalie Lovro Stubljar led the Romanian official, Ovidiu Hategan, to initially call a free out. However, following a review on a pitch-side monitor, much to the crowd’s delight, he instead pointed to the penalty spot. Dylan Watts took on the task and expertly achieved a score from 12 yards, tricking Stubljar in the process. This significant goal marked Rovers’ century in European club football, a journey that started with Jimmy ‘Maxie’ McCann’s strike against Manchester United’s Busby Babes at Old Trafford in 1957.
A second goal was knocked in just five minutes prior to the half-time bell. Farrugia, in the best form of the season, received a throw in from Josh Honohan and skillfully manoeuvred past the Celje defenders to hit a formidable low shot into the net’s corner, his debut European club football goal.
With the Celje team visibly shaken, there was an opportunity for a 3-0 lead during the first half’s stoppage time. Farrugia led another charge into the penalty box, with the ball ricocheting to Trevor Clarke, poised to score. Clarke’s shot, despite its force, lacked precision and was thwarted by a nimble Stubljar foot save. Honohan similarly failed to capitalise on a prime opportunity just three minutes into the second half, shooting high above the mark after receiving an opening from Clarke.
After resuming play with three fresh substitutions and an added player promptly following, Celje pushed hard for a comeback. Roberto Lopes, Rovers’ skipper, blocked attempts from Zan Karnicnik and Kucys. This was achieved around Nino Koeter’s wayward attempt, which should have been on target.
Nevertheless, in the 82nd minute, Celje’s relentless efforts bore fruit. Kucys’ deep cross was met with an accurate volley by Karnicnik, resulting in the ball flying past Leon Pohls into the opposing net. A defensive scramble by Grace saw a last minute save of a potential goal by Matja Kavcic as the match headed into extra-time.
Burke took advantage of extra time, charging midfield and slotting a low shot through Stubljar’s futile attempt to save, marking his record ninth goal in European competition for Rovers.
Pohls’s superb effort in stopping a goal from Rolando Aarons made headlines while an adjudged offside by VAR led to the disqualification of a goal from Darragh Burns, the sub for Rovers. Nonetheless, the Rovers had done enough in the match.
The Shamrock Rovers team included players such as Pohls, Hoare, Lopes, and Grace. Watts and O’Neill were also on the team. Honohan was replaced by O’Sullivan in the 110th minute, Nugent by Towell in the 80th minute, and Clarke by Cleary in the 80th minute. Farrugia made way for Burke in the 88th minute and Greene was replaced by Burns in the 91st minute.
The lineup for NK Celje included Stubljer, Zec, Vuklisevic, and Namanic. Karnicnik replaced Namanic at half-time and Kavcic. Kvesic was replaced by Aarons in the 104th minute, Pisek by Kouter in the 53rd minute, and Bobicanec by Dulca at half-time. Brnic was replaced by Menalo at half-time, Kucys, and Matko by Emilson in the 78th minute.
The referee presiding over the game was Ovidiu Hategan from Romania and the match saw an attendance of 6,153 spectators.