Shamrock Rovers lose in Slovenia but Europa League tie is still there for the taking
The Hoops lost 1-0 away to Slovenian champions Celje on a dreadful pitch but will fancy their chances in Tallaght next week
Shamrock Rovers survived a handful of scares in Slovenia but will fancy their chances of flipping this tie at home next week.
And the Hoops have all the motivation they need as progressing to the Europa League playoffs will guarantee Conference League group stage football no matter what.
Luka Menalo’s first-half goal separated the sides at the Stadion Z'dežele but Rovers dodged a late bullet when Slovenian international Denis Popović missed an open goal.
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Leon Pohls also pulled off two brilliant first-half saves and then another important punched effort in the second-half to keep Celje at bay.
The Slovenian champions - managed by former Liverpool player Albert Riera - squandered a healthier first-leg advantage heading for Tallaght Stadium.
And it was etched on the faces of those Celje players on the final whistle as Rovers settled for the narrow defeat, knowing it could have been worse.
But the deplorable and disgraceful state of the pitch did Rovers no favours, even if some of their finishing and decision making let them down rather than the surface.
On a better Tallaght pitch, and in front of a rocking stadium where they have enjoyed many memorable European nights, this tie is there for the taking.
Getting past Celke would set up a Europa League playoff against Malmo of Sweden or Greek giants PAOK - and secure Conference League groups as a fallback.
If Rovers bow out at home next Thursday, they will play FC Ordabasy of Kazakhstan or Armenia’s FC Pyunik in the Conference League playoff for a shot at those groups.
At no stage were Celje rampant or slicing Rovers open during the first-half. Their play was methodical, not manic.
Still, they chalked up five shots on target before the break, compared to the Hoops two.
And Menalo’s intervention was what really mattered, with the on-loan Dinamo Zagreb ace pouncing for the only goal 11 minutes before the break.
Rovers had their moments on the front foot, just not enough of them, and Celje controlled the opening half, forcing two quick-fire saves from Pohls.
Their attacking intent was evident in the opening exchanges with Dan Cleary hacking off the line to deny Lithuanian international Armandas Kučys from close range.
And had Trevor Clarke not wasted two crosses in quick succession from promising positions, Rovers might have threatened more themselves.
But the hosts took a grip on proceedings with Pohls first denying Aljoša Matko after Kučys skinned Pico Lopes and outfoxed Sean Hoare before pulling the ball back.
And a minute later Pohls saved again when a short corner routine eventually fell to Mario Kvesić whose shot at close range was smothered.
Rovers’ attacks were limited and Neil Farrugia lacked composure, crossing too quickly in the hope of finding Darragh Nugent in the box but gifting it to Celje instead.
Later, Farrugia snatched a shot inside the box. Again, his composure in those final moments was lacking.
But the Slovenian champions made the Hoops pay by taking the lead in the 34th minute.
On a break, Celje threatened to lose control deep in Rovers territory as poor touches and a dire pitch combined to thwart them.
But Menalo salvaged the situation and with Hoare, Clarke and Lopes giving him too much time and space, he zipped into the box and finished low to the corner.
Rovers have had their issues defensively in Europe. Granted this wasn’t another costly set piece, but the tackling left a lot to be desired.
Hoare did try to put matters right before the break. The centre-back went on a mazy run into Celje territory and blasted a powerful shot from distance that was saved.
But Rovers had more about them in the second half even if Pohls had to remain on guard, punching clear to deny Menalo at the near post.
Lopes’ block on Jamaican international Rolando Aarons saved a certain goal while Aaron McEneff was denied by Lovro Štubljar after skating into the box off a long ball.
But Celje ought to have put clear daylight between the sides in the dying minutes only to inexplicably miss an open goal.
It was a major let off for Rovers as a two goal deficit would have been difficult - but not impossible - to flip around. With just a goal between them, they’ll fancy their chances.
NK CELJE: Stubljar 6; Nemanic 6, Zec 6, Dulca 5 (Kavcic 45, 6); Menalo 7, Bobicanec 6, Kvesic 6 (Edmilson 67, 5), Brnic 5 (Popovic 67, 5); Pisek 6, Kucys 6 (Aarons 45, 6), Matko 6 (Kouter 67, 5).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Pohls 7; Hoare 6, Lopes 7, Cleary 6; Honohan 6, Farrugia 5 ( (Burke 78, 6); O’Neill 6, Watts 6 (Poom 78, 5), Clarke 5 (Burns 57, 6); Nugent 5 (McEneff 67, 6) Greene 6.
Referee: D Sylwestrzak (Poland)
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