The nerviest of ends
Shamrock Rovers survived a late scare in their Champions League qualifier as Víkingur Reykjavík missed a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Rovers headed into the second leg with the tie goalless following their trip to Iceland and after missing a series of chances last week, on-loan Celtic striker Jonny Kenny struck a first-half brace to put the Dublin side well in control.
Víkingur pulled one back but were then given the perfect opportunity to take the game to extra-time against 10-men Shamrock after skipper Roberto Lopes was adjudged to have fouled Vladimar Ingimundarson in the 98th minute.
English referee Jarred Gillet initially awarded a penalty and after a lengthy VAR check, was told to stick with his original decision.
Nikolaj Hansen was given the task of scoring the equaliser which would’ve almost certainly taken the game to extra-time but couldn’t keep his composure, instead hitting the outside of the stadium, much to the relief of those inside the Tallaght Stadium.
Unbelievable drama for Shamrock Rovers in Dublin last night.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) July 17, 2024
2-1 up against Vikingur in a Champions League Qualification match, they gave away a 98th minute penalty, only to see it missed as the last kick of the game. Mad.
pic.twitter.com/eL3unxVq4R
Who will Shamrock face in the next round?
Their reward for beating their Icelandic opponents is a tough tie in the Czech Republic against Sparta Prague.
Stephen Bradley’s side will be heavy underdogs but know that they will receive a minimum of €1.7m from two more games in Europe. Should they get knocked out they would then drop into the Europa League.
One player who won’t be available though is Jack Byrne after the winger was sent off for a second yellow card.
The Hoops’ fixture list doesn’t get any kinder though as they face arch rivals Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup away from home at Dalymount Park.
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