Overview
- Shamrock Rovers were eliminated from Champions League qualifying after losing 3-2 on aggregate to FC Ararat-Armenia following a 2-1 home win on Tuesday.
- Matt Healy and Aaron Greene scored to level the tie, but Sandro Lima’s 75th-minute strike was the decisive goal for Ararat-Armenia.
- Manager Stephen Bradley called the goals conceded ‘really soft’ and said sloppy defending across both legs cost progression despite Rovers’ strong attacking numbers.
- The club presented new signing Will Fitzgerald before kickoff and must cope with several injuries to key players while preparing the squad for the next fixtures.
- Rovers now drop into the Europa League third qualifying round to face KF Egnatia, a change that carries both sporting and financial consequences for the club.