Shamrock Rovers out of Champions League, Europa qualifiers

Shamrock Rovers' quest for the UEFA Champions League group stage ended on Tuesday, July 28, despite a 2-1 home victory over FC Ararat-Armenia in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie. The Irish champions, who trailed 2-0 from the first leg in Yerevan, won the match at Tallaght Stadium but fell 3-2 on aggregate, consigning them to a place in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round.

The hosts mounted a spirited first-half comeback to level the aggregate score. Midfielder Matt Healy opened the scoring with a powerful finish from the edge of the area after 23 minutes, a goal confirmed following a lengthy VAR check for offside. Striker Aaron Greene then capitalized on a defensive error, rounding the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net and make it 2-0 on the night just before halftime.

Rovers, however, could not find the decisive third goal. Ararat-Armenia grew into the game in the second half and sealed the tie with 17 minutes remaining. Substitute Carlos França created the opportunity, with the ball falling for Brazilian forward Sandro Lima to fire home, restoring the Armenian side's aggregate advantage. Despite late substitutions, Rovers could not muster another...