Shamrock Rovers discover next steps in Europe as UEFA draw is made
The Hoops play Sparta Prague in Tallaght Stadium tomorrow
Shamrock Rovers could face Robbie Keane’s former club Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League, if they beat Sparta Prague over two legs.
The Hoops host the Czech giants at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night in the first-leg of their second qualifying round clash.
The draw for the third round was made at UEFA headquarters today, and Stephen Bradley’s side have discovered what is in store, whether they win or lose the tie.
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If Rovers pull off a shock and send Sparta Prague packing, they will face either Steaua Bucharest (now known as FCSB) of Romania or Keane’s former Israeli outfit Maccabi.
Ex-Ireland captain Keane led Maccabi to the Israeli title last season, but he stepped down in June and was replaced by Serb Zarko Lazetic.
If Rovers lose to Sparta Prague, they will drop into the Europa League third qualifying round and play either Celje of Slovenia and Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia.
Dundalk lost to Celje in 2020 while Shamrock Rovers lost 3-2 on aggregate to Slovan in the 2021 Champions League first leg.
Celje and Slovan Bratislava meet in the Champions League qualifiers tomorrow, with the losing side over two legs dropping into the Europa League.
If Rovers do drop down, they know defeat in that Europa League third qualifying round would still guarantee a Conference League playoff - one tie away from the groups.
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