Soccer

This week’s Irish teams in Europe: Where to watch, kick-off time and team news

Shamrock Rovers hope for a second leg victory at home to advance in the Champions League and three clubs will compete for Europa Conference League progress

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley in the dugout before the UEFA Europa Conference League Group F match at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Thursday October 27, 2022.
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley will be hopeful for Champions League advancement. (Brian Lawless/PA)
Champions League First Qualifying Round Second Leg
Shamrock Rovers vs Víkingur Reykjavík (0-0)

Shamrock Rovers will hope to capitalise on their home support tonight after holding their Icelandic opponents to a goalless game in their first leg Champions League contest.

Stephen Bradley’s side secured a clean sheet last week after defending 18 corners, however, a second yellow caused Darragh Nugent to be sent off late into the second half.

The home fans may gain confidence from Víkingur’s unfortunate away record as they are yet to win a game away from home in European cup competitions.

Larne. vs Rīgas Futbola Skola (RFS) (0-3)

Larne face an uphill battle heading into their home leg against Latvian league leaders, RFS.

The Co Antrim side suffered a significant 3-0 defeat in their first league after conceding goals from Martins Kigurs, Daniels Balodis and Stefan Panic.

Tiernan Lynch’s side may gain encouragement from their recent victory over Cliftonville for the NIFL Charity Shield, however, this may be an insurmountable challenge on the European stage.

Should either Larne or Shamrock Rovers lose their first round of qualifiers they will be entered into the Europa Conference League qualifying stage.



What time is kick-off and Where can I watch?

Shamrock Rovers vs Víkingur Reykjavík will kick off at the Tallaght Stadium in South Dublin at 8pm on Wednesday, July 16.

The game will be streamed on League of Ireland TV, the native streaming service for all Irish domestic football, with the match available to be bought for €7 at https://www.loitv.ie/en-int/livestream/shamrock-rovers-v-vikingur-reykjavik-iceland/1770950.

Larne vs RFS will kick off at Inver Park at 8pm on Wednesday, July 16.

The game will be streamed on Larne F.C’s official website at https://larnefc-streaming.com/larnefc/games/g/o6px5d1l.

Europa League First Qualifying Round Second Leg
Derry City vs Bruno’s Magpies (0-2)
Stjarnan vs Linfield F.C. (0-2)
Crusaders vs Caernarfon Town (0-2)
Derry City Pat Hoban is mobbed after scoring against Galway United at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picrture Margaret McLaughlin  7-6-2024
Derry City must overcome a two goal deficit to progress in European competition. Picture Margaret McLaughlin (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY )

League of Ireland Premier Division’s Derry City and both NIFL Premiership sides, Linfield and Crusaders will each compete to overturn 2-0 defeats in their first leg outings in the Europa Conference leg.

This will be no easy feat for any of these sides playing this week as no Irish team has ever overturned a two-goal deficit in the competition.

Each side will be aiming to break that record this week to advance to the second round of qualifying.

What time is kick-off and Where can I watch?

Derry City will host the Magpies at Brandywell Stadium. The match will be streamed live at https://derrycityplay.com/derrycityfc/games/g/zhab4moi.

Linfield will travel away to Iceland for their second leg fixture. The match will be streamed live at https://live.linfieldtv.com/linfieldfc/games/g/u88ibso5.

And Crusaders F.C. will welcome Caernarfon Town to Seaview in Belfast. The match will be streamed live at https://cruestv.com/crusadersfc/games/g/s623fv4w.

All three games will commence at 7.45pm on Thursday, July 18.