LOI in Europe 2023

[pineapple stu]

Should be noted as well that the LoI won't be in the Youth League for the first time. Pat's were the champions but we were ranked 40th, and that won't be enough to qualify.

I think this year's U17 (not U19) champions qualify - was that on here? We'll be ranked 36th for that and that gives a much better chance of qualifying.

So that is the European campaign over bar finding out how the coefficient ends up. Derry with a win against the league ranked below us is a nice boost of course

[Nesta99]

Their keeper was a gobsh1te also! Harsh way to go out considering the performance overall. Thats the benchmark for Derry now, they can wallow or kick on. Might be a bit of an ask to dig a result out in the cup but the league challange is still well on for them if they want it. Its not a good result for Rovers who could have done with Derry having their focus on a few fronts unless they suddenly improve performances. Not ignoring other challangers, I just think Derry still have the greatest potential to win the league and if they play like tonight for the remainder of the season they wont be far off.

[holidaysong]

The league sits 32nd at the moment. It looks favourable for a top 33 finish and a Europa League place for 2025. I'd expect Kazakhstan to overtake us as Astana have a favourable draw, but for us to stay ahead of Kosovo and Finland.

[2 Year Contract]

Am I right in saying that Derry winning 1-0 in 90 mins tonight will help their own club coefficient but will do nothing really for the league's coefficient? (I could very likely be wrong on this one)

[joey B]

They left that one behind them,the Kazak's were very poor I thought,Maher was a spectator for alot of the game....

[yurt]

No it's the opposite. As mentioned by holidaying the win is huge for the league's co-efficient bringing us above Latvia and Armenia and in to 32nd. Giving us a decent chance of finishing in the top 33 unless two of the Kazaks, Kosovons or Fins pick up another couple results with the team's remaining.

The club co-efficient is based on the round you reach so getting knocked out on pens is the same new result as losing both legs.

[thischarmingman]

Well that was ****ing horrible.

[SwanVsDalton]

A night to love football. A night to hate football. That's the game we love.

An amazing atmosphere in Tallaght. More than 3,000 Derry heads down on a week night is a great turnout considering. And the noise - totally electric boogaloo for near 2.5 hours. A real throwback feel to the Kenny European nights of '06, pure magic.

I thought we were sensational for long stretches in the first 60. O'Reilly was fantastic. Mickey Duffy is in top gear right now. Patching and McGonigle look like they've found themselves again. Tool were dire, and I thought we made them look that way.

As the game wore on, we lost our shape, got leggy and stretched. Tobol were happy slowing it down and we couldn't get our foot back on our throat. And, as mentioned, we simply haven't been clinical enough once again - not just in front of goal, but our crossing/passing from promising attacking areas remains totally inconsistent.

We didn't get what we deserved but football is cruel and football is also wonderful. It was that kind of night.

[pineapple stu]

The league sits 32nd at the moment. It looks favourable for a top 33 finish and a Europa League place for 2025. I'd expect Kazakhstan to overtake us as Astana have a favourable draw, but for us to stay ahead of Kosovo and Finland.
I'd fancy Kosovo to pass us as well; they've a playoff against BATE Borisov, who are a shadow of the team they once were; sanctions aren't helping at all there. Wouldn't rule out the Faroes either; a home win against Sheriff, a defeat in aggregate and a couple of group stage results would do it. Probably just that bit too far behind, but KÍ's form has been exceptional. Bosnia are guaranteed a team in the groups too and have a playoff tie against LASK Linz. And even Iceland - with only three teams, so each result is worth more - have Breidablik in a playoff against Struga of North Macedonia to make the Conference League groups. We already know Breidablik > Rovers > Struga. Those sides would probably all need something like two wins and a draw in the groups to pass us out - it's a lot, but not impossible.

HJK had three goes at getting into the groups and could conceivably lose all six matches, which would be quite the break for us. And did well to sneak ahead of Armenia and Latvia at the death alright

[lofty9]

[QUOTE=SwanVsDalton;2158569
I thought we were sensational for long stretches in the first 60. O'Reilly was fantastic. Mickey Duffy is in top gear right now. Patching and McGonigle look like they've found themselves again. Tool were dire, and I thought we made them look that way.

As the game wore on, we lost our shape, got leggy and stretched. Tobol were happy slowing it down and we couldn't get our foot back on our throat. And, as mentioned, we simply haven't been clinical enough once again - not just in front of goal, but our crossing/passing from promising attacking areas remains totally inconsistent.
.[/QUOTE]

Patching's injury and being cautious with o'Reilly on a yellow was a turning point. McEleney clearly isn't fit and looks like he can't do anymore than 60mins a week, we couldn't replace O'Reillys energy and drive. Looked like the one extra journey over Tobol's affected the legs in the latter part of the game. We made them look poor over two legs, I'll be surprised if they aren't walloped in the next round. As for the pens, surprised at one player not stepping up to take a pen, and although Ben Doherty had the balls to take the 5th, his record on penalties should've meant he was nowhere near the first 5. But I'm sure you'd need to have some balls as a coach to tell someone they're11th on the list lol.

Anyhow, I wouldn't have made anymore trips to Dublin after last night if we'd won, just not practical for me financially and with work commitments. Watching us play a home game in Tallaght was embarrassing, made me question everything about the the LOI, UEFA and European football and whether I really am a supporter compared to those around me who seemed quite happy paying all that money to get to the game. UEFA simply don't do the 'magic of the cup '.

[outspoken]

Patching's injury and being cautious with o'Reilly on a yellow was a turning point. McEleney clearly isn't fit and looks like he can't do anymore than 60mins a week, we couldn't replace O'Reillys energy and drive. Looked like the one extra journey over Tobol's affected the legs in the latter part of the game. We made them look poor over two legs, I'll be surprised if they aren't walloped in the next round. As for the pens, surprised at one player not stepping up to take a pen, and although Ben Doherty had the balls to take the 5th, his record on penalties should've meant he was nowhere near the first 5. But I'm sure you'd need to have some balls as a coach to tell someone they're11th on the list lol.

Anyhow, I wouldn't have made anymore trips to Dublin after last night if we'd won, just not practical for me financially and with work commitments. Watching us play a home game in Tallaght was embarrassing, made me question everything about the the LOI, UEFA and European football and whether I really am a supporter compared to those around me who seemed quite happy paying all that money to get to the game. UEFA simply don't do the 'magic of the cup '.

I didn't have to pay in last night and the trip of half the journey still set me back about 50 good through parking, grub and fuel. Can't imagine the cost for a family from Derry last night.

[Another Bohemia]

Anyhow, I wouldn't have made anymore trips to Dublin after last night if we'd won, just not practical for me financially and with work commitments. Watching us play a home game in Tallaght was embarrassing, made me question everything about the the LOI, UEFA and European football and whether I really am a supporter compared to those around me who seemed quite happy paying all that money to get to the game. UEFA simply don't do the 'magic of the cup '.

Didn't Derry nominate Tallaght as the ground at the start of the competition should they progress to this round? Surely some of the blame should lie at the club's feet if that's the case. Not 100% sure if they could have nominated Windsor from the get go but can understand UEFAs reluctance to allow a change of nominated venue at short notice. A change of venue in Ireland probably wouldn't be a big deal for teams coming to Ireland but imagine travelling to a larger country like Russia or Germany and the ground being changed at relatively short notice. Could be a logistical nightmare for the visiting team and give the home team a significant advantage if they planned it in advance. Ultimately it looks like Derry didn't plan with their own supporters in mind and that's a great shame because as you can see from the support last night there was a massive amount of passion for the team there. Can only imagine what it would have been like with a more reasonable location

[lofty9]

Didn't Derry nominate Tallaght as the ground at the start of the competition should they progress to this round? Surely some of the blame should lie at the club's feet if that's the case. Not 100% sure if they could have nominated Windsor from the get go but can understand UEFAs reluctance to allow a change of nominated venue at short notice. A change of venue in Ireland probably wouldn't be a big deal for teams coming to Ireland but imagine travelling to a larger country like Russia or Germany and the ground being changed at relatively short notice. Could be a logistical nightmare for the visiting team and give the home team a significant advantage if they planned it in advance. Ultimately it looks like Derry didn't plan with their own supporters in mind and that's a great shame because as you can see from the support last night there was a massive amount of passion for the team there. Can only imagine what it would have been like with a more reasonable location

Only reasonable location for playing a team in a non group stage is the Brandywell. If it's good enough for previous 2 rounds it's good enough for a 3rd at least. It's a nonsense . On the club, Derry City don't plan anything with their supporters in mind, never do when it comes to Europe. It's a business for them, end of, which is fair enough. Pricing is always too high but they know they have a loyal 3k.

[Another Bohemia]

Only reasonable location for playing a team in a non group stage is the Brandywell. If it's good enough for previous 2 rounds it's good enough for a 3rd at least. It's a nonsense . On the club, Derry City don't plan anything with their supporters in mind, never do when it comes to Europe. It's a business for them, end of, which is fair enough. Pricing is always too high but they know they have a loyal 3k.

I disagree on stadium standards TBH. At some stage the standards have to be raised and the earlier the higher standards are introduced the better. Afaik it's not just seating but parking and press areas that increase as you progress which makes sense since you will likely find the more you progress with these things the higher profile the teams you meet are and they will potentially bring more media members, more supporters etc that justify the increase in the additional things. If you leave it until the group stages you could end up with clashes if more than 1 team needs to use the same stadium, or there is no stadium that meets the minimum requirement within the country and that requires UEFA to grant a dispensation on some of the requirements etc. Bringing these decisions in earlier let's teams plan appropriately and also pushes teams, local associations etc to stop putting infrastructure items on the long finger. It's a necessary evil imo.

[DCWA]

In my entire time supporting them, probably about 20 years now, I have never known Derry City FC under any board to have done anything with any thought for the fans. Frankly it’s seemed they’ve often treated most of us as a burden ot inconvenience rather than an asset.

[ger121]

In my entire time supporting them, probably about 20 years now, I have never known Derry City FC under any board to have done anything with any thought for the fans. Frankly it’s seemed they’ve often treated most of us as a burden ot inconvenience rather than an asset.

I never knew that. Crazy approach because the fans and the local community are the heartbeat of the club

[Philosophizer]

In my entire time supporting them, probably about 20 years now, I have never known Derry City FC under any board to have done anything with any thought for the fans. Frankly it’s seemed they’ve often treated most of us as a burden ot inconvenience rather than an asset.
I had no idea things were that bad up in Derry. Judging by the atmosphere last night (I decided to head along myself) you’ve got one of the best fanbases in the league! I couldn’t believe how many travelled! I certainly heard a few local accents but the vast majority had travelled down from Derry - incredible support!

[Another Bohemia]

In my entire time supporting them, probably about 20 years now, I have never known Derry City FC under any board to have done anything with any thought for the fans. Frankly it’s seemed they’ve often treated most of us as a burden ot inconvenience rather than an asset.

So what's the point of Derry City Football Club if it's fans are an inconvenience? They've hardly been swimming in success in the last 20 years, what was the plan to grow before they were backed by a billionaire? What's the plan to grow the club now? Are they investing in training grounds, the underage teams and possibly women's teams? Is there anything being done to increase fan engagement? A club like Derry really could be a good self sustaining club if managed correctly.

[SwanVsDalton]

In my entire time supporting them, probably about 20 years now, I have never known Derry City FC under any board to have done anything with any thought for the fans. Frankly it’s seemed they’ve often treated most of us as a burden ot inconvenience rather than an asset.

This is madly hyperbolic and I'd have ignored it if not for the fact people are picking up on it.

By all means be critical, running a club and facilitating every fan are often in conflict, but the board - both now and in the recent past - have mostly featured people who are primarily fans giving up their time and would happily step aside for other people willing to give up their time.

In that respect, Derry are no different than most other clubs.


I had no idea things were that bad up in Derry. Judging by the atmosphere last night (I decided to head along myself) you’ve got one of the best fanbases in the league! I couldn’t believe how many travelled! I certainly heard a few local accents but the vast majority had travelled down from Derry - incredible support!

It's not that bad. Glad you enjoyed the night.

[brendy_éire]

What's the plan to grow the club now? Are they investing in training grounds, the underage teams and possibly women's teams? Is there anything being done to increase fan engagement? A club like Derry really could be a good self sustaining club if managed correctly.

There are plans for a physical academy centre, in conjunction with the university, which are progressing along apparently. It could also serve as a training ground.
There is next to no fan engagement. We have the AGM, where shareholders will be updated on things, with a little bit of engagement after, but there's nothing on a regular basis, nor will there be.
With the present ownership, the club is basically under a benevolent dictatorship. Yes, bit more fan engagement would be nice, but when there's someone putting in millions, you kind of have to go along with whatever they want.
What they want happens to be spending lots of the squad, building a new stand/terrace, a new academy, and nice things like charter flights and overnight hotels in Dublin. Most fans are happy enough with that.

Gutting stuff last night. Watched back on the Cian Kavanagh miss, it didn't look as bad as it was live. Still bad though.

There is very little between ourselves and Tobol, so maybe we can't have too many complaints. Story of our season, but if we could just take our chances, we'd be flying. It's a decent campaign overall, though that was a great chance to get to the playoff round.

Pat's will have been delighted with the ET last night. Serious job to turn ourselves around for Sunday.

[DCWA]

This is madly hyperbolic and I'd have ignored it if not for the fact people are picking up on it.


I don’t have time to reply to everyone at the minute here but just wanted to address this - I can only speak from my own experiences of course but it’s not hyperbolic at all there may be a small/very small clique of fans that have or had ties with those on the board but in a wider sense I have never felt as a fan that DCFC have actually cared about fans. The effort is all one way in that relationship.

[lofty9]

This is madly hyperbolic and I'd have ignored it if not for the fact people are picking up on it.

By all means be critical, running a club and facilitating every fan are often in conflict, but the board - both now and in the recent past - have mostly featured people who are primarily fans giving up their time and would happily step aside for other people willing to give up their time.

In that respect, Derry are no different than most other clubs.



It's not that bad. Glad you enjoyed the night.

The chairman runs the club through his tried and trusted partners. Those coming from the outside wouldnt have an influence in any matters. Our chairman has the right to run the club the way he wants aw he has invested heavily in it for the benefit of the city. As a fan, I can applaud him but I'm not naive to the operation of the club and how it differs.

[SwanVsDalton]

I don’t have time to reply to everyone at the minute here but just wanted to address this - I can only speak from my own experiences of course but it’s not hyperbolic at all there may be a small/very small clique of fans that have or had ties with those on the board but in a wider sense I have never felt as a fan that DCFC have actually cared about fans. The effort is all one way in that relationship.

I think it is hyperbolic, simply because it doesn't stand to reason that people who are first and foremost fans of the club wouldn't have a single thought for fans of the club.

Now whether the club has done enough to engage with fans, be transparent, give fans more of a voice - sure, we can talk about that. And I suspect we'd have plenty of agree on. It's just about being realistic about what we're discussing.


The chairman runs the club through his tried and trusted partners. Those coming from the outside wouldnt have an influence in any matters. Our chairman has the right to run the club the way he wants aw he has invested heavily in it for the benefit of the city. As a fan, I can applaud him but I'm not naive to the operation of the club and how it differs.

If, as I suspect, what we're talking primarily is fans feeling heard and appreciated, then Derry are similar to most. And, bear in mind, my original post was directed at a comment speaking about two decades, pre POD as chair.

What you're describing is more the footballing rule than the exception imo so I don't think I'm particularly naive to "how it differs". And I'm at ease with it too, but that doesn't mean fans - like DCWA or any others - shouldn't demand more.

TBH lads, despite appearances, I don't jump out of bed in the morning busting to get on foot.ie to defend boards. ;)

[yurt]

Now the Pats have a great chance of going into Europe as cup champions they could end up really suffering the unforseen circumstances of Dudelanges last minute winner.

Given how close it's going to end up between 32-35 the extra 0.125 could well end up being the difference between Europa or Conference League next summer for them.

[pineapple stu]

I presume the big advantage of starting off in the Europa League is that even in an expanded competition, Pat's would still get the safety net of the Conference League if they lost?

[SPXcyan]

That's a major perk in fairness.

[pineapple stu]

I suppose it depends how the format pans out. If Pat's scrape in as one of the lowest seeds, then probably they'll be up against it in the first round and end up in the second round of the Conference League anyway, same as if they'd beaten some no-mark Luxembourg team?

So obviously it'd negate the risk of being beaten by the no-mark Luxembourg side first off! That's no bad thing, though it may mean less coefficient points.

I wonder is there a separate Conference League path for Europa League drop-outs? At the moment the teams starting in the Europa League get dumped into the Conference League playoff round, which is a tougher round than the champions path of course.

[D24Saint]

Now the Pats have a great chance of going into Europe as cup champions they could end up really suffering the unforseen circumstances of Dudelanges last minute winner.

Given how close it's going to end up between 32-35 the extra 0.125 could well end up being the difference between Europa or Conference League next summer for them.

Monday afternoon conjecture can’t beat it. It’s long way to go. The draw has to be kind. I would have Bohs as the favourites this year. We got a bit of luck yesterday and held our nerve in the shootout but we have no goalscorer this year unfortunately. The return of Redmond has been crucial to us.

[2 Year Contract]

Monday afternoon conjecture can’t beat it. It’s long way to go. The draw has to be kind. I would have Bohs as the favourites this year. We got a bit of luck yesterday and held our nerve in the shootout but we have no goalscorer this year unfortunately. The return of Redmond has been crucial to us.
Massively. Haven’t conceded a goal since his return. 6 clean sheets in the 12 games he’s started this season vs 4 clean sheets in the 19 games he hasn’t started. It’s chalk and cheese at the back when he plays compared to the mess we were without him. McGrath looks a different player when playing alongside him too, having a competent leader beside him brings him on leaps and bounds compared to when he played alongside Lewis or Norman

[yurt]

Now the Pats have a great chance of going into Europe as cup champions they could end up really suffering the unforseen circumstances of Dudelanges last minute winner.

Given how close it's going to end up between 32-35 the extra 0.125 could well end up being the difference between Europa or Conference League next summer for them.

Just to correct this. 24/25 Access List is already set and we are 36th so CWs will not be starting in the conference league.

1W, 1L for the Kazakh's as expected. If they do any better than 1D, 1L then they will over take us.

HJK drawing 1-1 in Romania. Really could do with them losing there.

If Balkani get knocked out in this round it'll mean they can' pass us out.

[pineapple stu]

Another one worth noting is Breidablik won 1-0 away to Struga for 0.333 points and one foot in the group stages. We've a bit of a gap on them but with only three teams each win is worth more for them - and doubly so if they make the groups.

[ger121]

Balkani 4-1 up on BATE. They were 1 down. A shadow of their former self. Balkani on for back to back group stages and if they play like last season, they’ll take points.

[pineapple stu]

Yep - Kosovo almost certain to pass us out next week. Kazakhstan probably will too, though two away defeats to end their season isn't out of the question.

HJK were 1-0 up but lost 2-1; their fourth loss in a row, which is good for us. But they may turn that around at home.

A draw for the Faroes - arguably a bad result for us. It gives them another half a point and means they'll likely end up in the easier Conference League. A win for Iceland away from home; if they win the return as well they'd be just two group wins off us (though two group wins would mark a serious achievement). And Zrinskij only lost 2-1 in Austria - they could get a result at home too, and are guaranteed group football also.

They're the ones who could pass us out. Four other countries below them also have a team left but won't be coming close to us. And for now we still hang on to 32nd place somehow

[oriel]

Saw a Q asked on FAI Cup thread on prizemoney, so I think I have the answers.

ECL, Pats will get 250k

ECL, Dundalk will get 550k

ECL, Derry get 850k

Rovers, not sure, possibly 800K?

Those games v KA were a disaster for Dundalk, probably first time genuinely disappointed existing europe, as most other recent season we lost to a bigger name when we exited, this was a shocking waste of 300k earning, but we deserved to go out.

Still you heard b/s stats 'we had most of the play', means nothing, all that does, ball in back of the net.

[Nesta99]

The stand out issue for me with Dundalk and Rovers was how they struggled physically with the Icelandic sides. Derry werent outmuscled and didnt see enough of St Pats. Whatever about technical ability, its disappointing to see strength and conditionig being an issue. Some past Dundalk sides looked to have over done it but seeing how easily Boyle was bounced a few times and centre mid were not able to settle under minial pressure. Maybe there is a regression in using the dark arts where minimal contact used to extract a free but I think refs are more inclined to not give soft free more recently. Tactically it was almost perfect from the Icelandics in both fixtures, one with the high press and the other happy to give up the ball, sit deep, break and punish ruthlessly.

[outspoken]

Still you heard b/s stats 'we had most of the play', means nothing, all that does, ball in back of the net.

Sick to my teeth of talking about this. I'm not sure is it down to a lot of our managers being on the same coaching courses or what but far too often in this league we are looking at dour games where managers come out after and talk about playing through the third, territory, possession, it's a total cod and for me a huge part of why we struggled in Europe this year, too many teams obsessed with possession for possessions sake.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Daniel Kelly on LOI weekly talking about having better xG. Good for them.

[oriel]

Sick to my teeth of talking about this. I'm not sure is it down to a lot of our managers being on the same coaching courses or what but far too often in this league we are looking at dour games where managers come out after and talk about playing through the third, territory, possession, it's a total cod and for me a huge part of why we struggled in Europe this year, too many teams obsessed with possession for possessions sake.

I'd almost go as far as saying % as a stat of play should only be counted when you are in the opposition half, as it means nothing passing it around unchallenged in your own half, anyone can do that.

[oriel]

Daniel Kelly on LOI weekly talking about having better xG. Good for them.

Heard that, nonsense talk, he was on about the 5-3 defeat on agg to KA, again useless stat, only 8 stats mattered in these two games, and all from the AFG (actual fxxing goals)...............

[pineapple stu]

I presume he added a bit about how much worse their forwards were than KA's that they scored less from better chances?

It's a legit stat, but like a lot of these it needs to be taken in its proper context. Cos otherwise, yeah, the proper response is "So what?"

[ger121]

Daniel Kelly on LOI weekly talking about having better xG. Good for them.

I was shaking my head when I heard him say that. I play FPL and it is seriously the most overrated stat. Goals are what count, not chances you create.

[geysir]

KI (nearly) shot the sheriff this evening but will have to do with the Conf group stage. Breidablik, remember them? have not gone away yet, after a run of 9 wins and 3 losses they enter the group stages alongside their viking brothers. But so far most all of the kudos go to KI.
I wonder in regards to earning club ranking points and Uefa dosh, doesn't a 'minnow' have a much better chance being in the 4th pot Conf groups stage as they would in the 4th pot EL group stage? the opposition is of a considerably lower calibre in the Conf L but similar enough ranking points and prize money?

[pineapple stu]

Another Euro day over and we're somehow still 32nd. But it's getting tight - there's only 0.250 between us and 37th. Six countries below us have teams in the group stages - Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Finland are within that 0.250 of us and need just a draw to pass us out. The Faroes, Bosnia and Iceland are further back. Taking two points for a win, the Faroes need five group points, Iceland need four points and Bosnia need seven points to pass us out.

Tobol (who beat Derry) lost 5-1 to Plzen on aggregate; fairly sound beating. Ballkani (Kosovo), Astana (Kazakhstan), HJK (Finland), KI (Faroes), Breidablik (Iceland) and Zrinskij Mostar (Bosnia) are the sides we want tough draws for in the group stages; they're all in the Conference League, and Astana and HJK are third seeds.

Still reckon we'll end up 36th - Finland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and one of the other three. Looks like 43rd for the year.

Here's for better next year!

[Nesta99]

Another Euro day over and we're somehow still 32nd. But it's getting tight - there's only 0.250 between us and 37th. Six countries below us have teams in the group stages - Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Finland are within that 0.250 of us and need just a draw to pass us out. The Faroes, Bosnia and Iceland are further back. Taking two points for a win, the Faroes need five group points, Iceland need four points and Bosnia need seven points to pass us out.

Tobol (who beat Derry) lost 5-1 to Plzen on aggregate; fairly sound beating. Ballkani (Kosovo), Astana (Kazakhstan), HJK (Finland), KI (Faroes), Breidablik (Iceland) and Zrinskij Mostar (Bosnia) are the sides we want tough draws for in the group stages; they're all in the Conference League, and Astana and HJK are third seeds.

Still reckon we'll end up 36th - Finland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and one of the other three. Looks like 43rd for the year.

Here's for better next year!

That'd be par for the course if Derry win the league and Dundalk win the Cup, and Bohs/St Pats dig in too after Roverss sojorn!

[pineapple stu]

Another day hanging on in in 32nd. Only one result from the six countries below us left in the competition - Zrinskij Mostar coming from 3-0 down at half-time to beat Alkmaar 4-3. They were the lowest-ranked country so not the worst of outcomes from the evening. 0.500 for them; they're still 1.125 behind us.

KÍ took the lead in Bratislava but lost 2-1. Breidablik were 3-0 down away to Robbie Keane's Maccabi Tel Aviv, but brought it back it back to 3-2. Ballkani and HJK also lost by a single goal so you'd imagine they'll all get points over the campaign though.

[Philosophizer]

Ki once again showing themselves to be a decent outfit. You just have to admire them.

[yurt]

Just after realizing that both Balkani and Astana are in the same group. A draw in either of their games will put both of them ahead of us. It's hard to believe we're still somehow where we are and each week that ticks by, the chances of the impossible happening trend up.

Will require an incredible string of results to go in our favour but given how much of that string has already been strung at this point you couldn't completely rule it out.

[MichaelCherrito]

I’m not sure how UEFA will revamp the Conference League from next season onwards but seeing the sort of clubs that wander around, I can see the likes of Rovers, Derry or Pats playing in it

I don’t know if they need exceeding expectations or being consistent enough in a period of time from June to August or simply improving structures and set-ups but it’s a shame if they miss season after season.

It will be a big dissapointment if the champions miss twice every season to go into it.

[holidaysong]

Just after realizing that both Balkani and Astana are in the same group. A draw in either of their games will put both of them ahead of us. It's hard to believe we're still somehow where we are and each week that ticks by, the chances of the impossible happening trend up.

Will require an incredible string of results to go in our favour but given how much of that string has already been strung at this point you couldn't completely rule it out.

Yes good point, we will need one of them to go pointless in the group therefore.

There is still the possibility that 34th place would be good enough to get a team into the Europa League, should Russia remain suspended up until 2025.

[Nesta99]

Just after realizing that both Balkani and Astana are in the same group. A draw in either of their games will put both of them ahead of us. It's hard to believe we're still somehow where we are and each week that ticks by, the chances of the impossible happening trend up.

Will require an incredible string of results to go in our favour but given how much of that string has already been strung at this point you couldn't completely rule it out.

Well there is one way to make sure results end up going completely against us in the end, for me to put a few € on an accumulator - we'd drop 10 places before a ball is kicked! Conversely if I dont bother every damn one will line up nicely.