Shamrock Rovers Learn Champions League Route After Nyon Draw
Shamrock Rovers will face either Egnatia of Albania or Celje from Slovenia in the third qualifying round of the Champions League if they get past Ararat-Armenia. The Hoops ensured their continuing involvement in Europe's top tier competition with an impressive 5-1 win over Floriana of Malta last week for a 5-3 aggregate win.
What's Next for Shamrock Rovers?
Victory for Rovers against Ararat-Armenia would see them secure at least a place in the Europa League play-off round. If Northern Ireland outfit Larne overcome Crvena Zvezda of Serbia, they will take on the winners of Vikingur Reykjavik and Hapoel Beer-Shava in the third qualifying round. Hearts will face Turkish side Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze from Poland.
UEFA Conference League Update
In the UEFA Conference League, Shelbourne, Derry City, and Bohemians have discovered their potential opponents for the third qualifying round. If Shels, now managed by John Russell overcome Slovenian outfit Nomme Kalju, they will face Serbia's FK Vojvodina or Dutch giants Ajax, with the first leg away. After exiting the Europa League following their aggregate loss to CSKA Sofia, Derry will now face Croatian side HNK Rijeka in the second qualifying round. Progression would see a date with either Stjarnan from Iceland or Finnish outfit Ilves Tampere. The Candystripes will have home advantage in the first leg.
Bohemians' European Campaign
Bohemians opened their European campaign with a 2-0 aggregate win over St Joseph's from Gibraltar. The reward for getting past Kosovan side FC Ballkani will see them face either Beşiktaş or FC Midtjylland in round three.
Shamrock Rovers are currently 3 points clear of Derry City at the top of the Premier Division table, with 66 points from 36 games. They have scored 56 goals and conceded 33, with a +23 goal difference. Their recent form has been LWLLL, with a loss in their last two matches. The last result was a 0-1 defeat to Derry City on January 31st, 2026.
The Hoops will look to bounce back from their recent losses and continue their European campaign with a strong performance against Ararat-Armenia.
