LoI in Europe 2024

[EalingGreen]

TNS 2 up away in Lithuania. The Conference League really has been great for opening up group stage football to lower ranked countries. Be nice to see a
Welsh and Northern Irish side make it for the first time.TNS won 3-0, while the Harbour Rats have just gone 1-0 up in Gib, 16 mins:

"What a strike from Matty Lusty! The match-winner from Kosovo hits a rocket from 30 yards that strikes the bar and bounces down and hits the bar again.

The Larne players immediately claim and the VAR team give the goal. A huge goal for the Inver Reds!"

Edit: 1-1, 23 mins.

Edit: Imps now 2-1 up, H-T.

[ger121]

Larne ahead.

[Acornvilla]

It's all going to end in tears but Pat's look like the European regulars here. All Stephen Kenny had to do was call Zack Elbouzedi up for Ireland apparently.

Melia should have done far better through on goal but otherwise you'd never know he's 16, holding his own well.

[pineapple stu]

Larne ahead.
1-1 now.

Viking Reykjavik have had three penalties against Santa Coloma in the Conference League - and missed two of them.

Still 3-0 up, so they're well on the way to the groups

Edit - and a fourth in the last minute for PAOK. On the plus side, Rovers may have a chance of a result in the home leg now.

[ger121]

Jesus. PAOK miss a penalty but still get a 4th.

[Acornvilla]

Jesus. PAOK miss a penalty but still get a 4th.
On the bright side, PAOK probably won't be up to much in the 2nd leg and Rovers might get a draw for the coefficient much like Shels v Zurich :D

[texidub]

I dont think its always down to player quality or opposition pressue, it seems more self fulfilling prophecy so basically fear and between the ears, knowing when to play out, hoof it and hoof it properly too. Where we do suffer on quality is having any really clinical finishers, not that there was too much attacking tonight, as a league we lack any ruthlessness and efficiency in front of goal.

I agree. It's psycholgical... lack of belief, overawed.. and that feeds into not being clinical up front and not being decisive enough at the back.

[CorribsideSteve]

I feared for Rovers once they went a goal down, and especially in the suicidal manner of the goal just before halftime. Rovers definitely have enough to compete in the Conference but Irish sides in Europe continue to blow it for themselves at crucial moments. Another gift wrapped goal for the opposition. Different game entirely if it goes in 0-0 at the break.

Very impressed with Pat's so far though but like PAOK these guys are streets ahead on paper, and as I type they're roughly at the same point close to halftime as Rovers were. Concentration needed now.

[Acornvilla]

Palmer off is a huge blow for Pat's. Lord if they played like this in the league they'd win it.

[Nesta99]

I feared for Rovers once they went a goal down, and especially in the suicidal manner of the goal just before halftime. Rovers definitely have enough to compete in the Conference but Irish sides in Europe continue to blow it for themselves at crucial moments. Another gift wrapped goal for the opposition. Different game entirely if it goes in 0-0 at the break.

Very impressed with Pat's so far though but like PAOK these guys are streets ahead on paper, and as I type they're roughly at the same point close to halftime as Rovers were. Concentration needed now.

I'd love Bradley to mischievously say 'we're better, we gifted the goals to them etc etc. Emphasise how daft it sounds when you are beaten and out.

Is the atmosphere in Tallaght very flat for a game St Pats are doing well in, feels more like its 3 or 4 nil!?

[Acornvilla]

I'd love Bradley to mischievously say 'we're better, we gifted the goals to them etc etc. Emphasise how daft it sounds when you are beaten and out.

Is the atmosphere in Tallaght very flat for a game St Pats are doing well in, feels more like its 3 or 4 nil!?
Think the rain and everyone being pushed up as far away from the front of the stands as possible is the big contributing factor.

[Nesta99]

1-1 now.

Viking Reykjavik have had three penalties against Santa Coloma in the Conference League - and missed two of them.

Still 3-0 up, so they're well on the way to the groups

Edit - and a fourth in the last minute for PAOK. On the plus side, Rovers may have a chance of a result in the home leg now.

and the one that could have changed the outcome of the tie in Tallaght, thats well beyond LoI type messing... Same player or changed it up, 25% conversion is dreadful!

[RealJohn91]

What a terrible European manager Bradley is.

[Nesta99]

Think the rain and everyone being pushed up as far away from the front of the stands as possible is the big contributing factor.

Ok maybe. It was a different point of the match but we were soaked v BATE, latter part of the game played in a downpour and was as loud as ive experienced Tallaght. St Pats fans just not at home at home.

[Acornvilla]

Ok maybe. It was a different point of the match but we were soaked v BATE, latter part of the game played in a downpour and was as loud as ive experienced Tallaght. St Pats fans just not at home at home.
Tbf it'll be much louder in person than watching on a screen, unless you're at the game and reading this forum :D

[placid casual]

What a terrible European manager Bradley is.
What a terrible sad existence you must live,boezo

[placid casual]

Pat's look to be hanging on a bit here

[Acornvilla]

Turkish boyo's are much much better in the 2nd half, Pat's holding on a bit. Very much missing Palmer

Edit: and then his replacement Leavy nearly scored a worldie! Hits the post after cutting in Robben style.

[RealJohn91]

What a terrible sad existence you must live,boezo
That goes without saying, but the annual Rovers humiliation brings joy to the aul heart, it has to be said. Good to see a proper manager being competitive against a decent team in Tallaght tonight.

[texidub]

Pat's just had a fantastic effort come of the post.. so close

[Acornvilla]

A rare refereeing substitution going on here!

[CorribsideSteve]

A rare refereeing substitution going on here!
I was wondering what was going on...

[pateen]

Rovers were actually ok in the first some. Some hard hitting tackles only for the woeful OG on 46 mons

[Nesta99]

I think these Turks had their heads already in the groups already, looked at the dometic table and went meh! They are not miles better but should be. Pats have rattled them with that chance of the post and they started throwing tantrums. Classic SK side with some real belief being engrained - even to a fault playing it out short immediately after almost giving a chance playing it out short. St Pats have impressed, look balanced and organised and its not all a recent marquee signing. I going to double down on saying that this is the basis of a side that will challange for a league title next season. I hope they are knackered still at the weekend!!

[placid casual]

I think it's already clear that Pat's will be challenging for the title next year, especially if their owner is willing to throw loads more money at a team who won't be qualifying for Europe next year. They have some real quality going forward at Pat's and Redmond is a proper defender

[Acornvilla]

I think it's already clear that Pat's will be challenging for the title next year, especially if their owner is willing to throw loads more money at a team who won't be qualifying for Europe next year. They have some real quality going forward at Pat's and Redmond is a proper defender

Pat's do play Dundalk and Drogheda next, terrible timing with the Euro run, but they could suddenly be right back in the hunt for next season with two wins. It's not likely given the effort they're expelling, but not out of the question they go on a run after seeing just how good they can be.

[placid casual]

They're 8 points off 4th place,and that's presuming derry or shels win the cup( my money's on the students!).I think that 8 point gap is too much,and drogs and dundalk won't just lay down as they're both fighting for their premier survival.

[Acornvilla]

I'm not saying it's going to happen but it feels much more likely than it would have before they played Vaduz. Every team is dropping points, tough to know what will be needed for 4th, I'd be confident enough someone in the top 3 wins the cup, it's tradition at this point :D

Higgins job and Derry's season might depend on it too

[ger121]

In the name of the co-efficient… Amen.

[CorribsideSteve]

That was brilliant stuff from Pat's. Half a chance now, going to Turkey.

[Acornvilla]

One of the better results in LOI history, Fair play Pat's they'll die on their feet in Turkey, but great to have something to play for, and the co efficient!

[ger121]

Pat’s just so suited to Europe. Still in with a chance and they know how to score away from home.

[sbgawa]

That goes without saying, but the annual Rovers humiliation brings joy to the aul heart, it has to be said. Good to see a proper manager being competitive against a decent team in Tallaght tonight.

Lol group stages 4m in prize money , the humiliation is hard to deal with. Put down that vinegar lol lol lol

[nigel-harps1954]

Are there full coefficient points in playoff games?

[RealJohn91]

Lol group stages 4m in prize money , the humiliation is hard to deal with. Put down that vinegar lol lol lol
It's great having that money, but you had it in 2022 too and didn't exactly push home your advantage like you should have. Does your fanbase trust Bradley with the rebuild that you obviously need in the next year or two? Does he even have the stomach for it?

[Nesta99]

Tbf it'll be much louder in person than watching on a screen, unless you're at the game and reading this forum :D

Ha no, as much as im on foot.ie id not be when at a game, currently Id wear any jersey to any game to get some live football and yup I agree on the atmosphere on tv point and something id have said to barstoolers that they are missing ot on. The atmosphere did lift after St Pats hit the post.

Couple of heart attack moments 2nd half, Anang trying to get an angle to clear and was nearly caught out, the short back pass that Anang swept up but other than that kept things at arms length. Basaksehir I felt were settling for a result to take home after that chance as they sat back more after. Their one big chance near the end, fluffed in to the side netting was they type of LoI chance that id be critical of for not making more of, a ball across the 6yrd box and that was a very good chance wasted. Pats were anxious to get on with things, Basaksehir by contrast went in to game management mode like their keeper irritating me after he dropped a cross and behaving like he'd just done a cruciate. The spat the dummy a bit though there wasnt a nastiness. Body language at FT was St Pats disappointed and Basaksehir job done tinged with relief.

Not wnating to sound like just a SK fan, it is one very good performance, but there was no sense of inferiority from St Pats and they will think they can win away also. Its a contrast with the frustration with Rovers and Derry this year, that they are capable of better but with Rovers especially are all safety first which so often backfires on any side. St Pats looked like a well coached side tonight, contrast with couple of months ago and before the break. Games can run to 100mins these days but SK is still slow to freshen things up with subs. I dont get the thinking at times when players are looking fatigued espeically in times past there was someone of similar quality on the bench to bring on. My thoughts on them being likely in the title mix next season is that there was the basis of a squad already there that could be moulded. For sure there needs to be more depth to the squad but its not a major overhaul, expensive clearout and start with a blank canvas imo, a need to thow a fortune around.

Watching the Turkish coverage was interesting, 3 panelists, big studio, live feed to Tallaght after the game, I wish I knew what the pundits were saying but they seemed to have expected a win, no easy games lines probably being rolled out. I know RTE are in the midst having their expense accounts cut and its a shock to the system, other stations didnt pick up games either and there is the scale between the numbers between Greek and Turkish leagues and LoI, but present the product half as it was by the Turks and it would see growth.....not getting battered helps too!

Just looking at potential conditions to be played in in Istanbul - if St Pats were away tonight it would have been between 25 and 30C and 81% humidity which is the killer. Thats a serious ask for 90+ minutes, they will need to hold on to the ball for good spells and are unlikely to be able to chase and press like tonight, though it wasnt really a full high press. Were Pats hardly away anywhere training during the break?

[oriel]

One of the better results in LOI history, Fair play Pat's they'll die on their feet in Turkey, but great to have something to play for, and the co efficient!

It was a very good result for them, but it will be 27-30c min at kick off next week, that will be tough, but still 0-0 so they have a chance, albeit would be a major surprise if they won.

SK is at his best in Europe, so who knows, I'd still be surprised if they went through, but they should enjoy tonight, that was decent by them.

[Jack B]

Thought we were great tonight. Basaksehir are a serious side compared to our level but you wouldn't have thought it. We started excellently in the first half but the intensity was always going to be difficult to maintain and I feel like they woke up a bit in the second half after probably taking us lightly initially, but still and all there wasn't a point where they really looked like scoring. Can only imagine they'll win the tie next week but a great effort thus far nonetheless.

[placid casual]

Fair play to Pats on a credible result and all, but do people need to be reminded that this is the 3rd tier European competition that Kenny has somehow "bested".
As they say, levels.

[Nostradamus]

I’m sure Pats fans would much rather the European Pedigree of the mighty Brasdster right now.

[TonyD]

Fair play to Pats on a credible result and all, but do people need to be reminded that this is the 3rd tier European competition that Kenny has somehow "bested".
As they say, levels.

They are indeed levels above the LOI, so it was a very good performance from Pats, and not a backs to the wall effort either. We were the width of a post away from winning. Don’t know why you feel the need to be so snarky (and the inevitable dig at “Kenny”) Still sore from Rovers getting humped ?

[placid casual]

Not snarky at all, just thought it was worth reminding people on here that the level your playing at is below both champions league and even Europa league.
Best of luck in turkey next week you'll need it.

[2 Year Contract]

Not snarky at all, just thought it was worth reminding people on here that the level your playing at is below both champions league and even Europa league.
Best of luck in turkey next week you'll need it.

Ah you’re very good. Thanks for the insightful reminder that the conference league is a lower level than the champions league and Europa league. I must keep that one in the bank to discredit any result rovers may pick up in the group stages on the basis of it not being as good a level as those competitions regardless of opposition.

Pull the other one ffs, by that logic, as a one off result (not talking prize money wise) if Pats had drawn 0-0 with Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka in the Europa league tonight it would’ve been a better result than drawing 0-0 with Chelsea in the conference league

[2 Year Contract]

Thought we were great tonight. Basaksehir are a serious side compared to our level but you wouldn't have thought it. We started excellently in the first half but the intensity was always going to be difficult to maintain and I feel like they woke up a bit in the second half after probably taking us lightly initially, but still and all there wasn't a point where they really looked like scoring. Can only imagine they'll win the tie next week but a great effort thus far nonetheless.

Bang on. I thought Forrester was the best player on the pitch tonight. Leavy did well when he came on too, hopefully Palmer's injury isn’t serious. Great shift out in by everyone, here’s hoping for one more push next week to do the unthinkable

[Burnsie]

What does the "level of the competition" have to do with anything? Did IBFK not try as hard because TNS and Lincoln Red Imps happen to be playing in it? They're ranked higher than any team in the EFL Championship bar Leeds, and they're paying their striker €100k+ a week.

Tonight's was up there with the best performances I've from an Irish side in Europe. Desperately unlucky not to secure the win, and it would have been well deserved.

[holidaysong]

I watched the first half tonight almost in disbelief with how St Pat's were playing compared to my own perception of how the match would go, based on the status of both clubs and watching about an hour of the Turkish club's game last week vs the Georgian team. Fair play. Definitely up there with one of the best LOI performances I've seen. It's a real shame they couldn't put one away and take a lead over to Istanbul.

[holidaysong]

P.S. I hope we destroy your u19s in Oriel. My 5 year old son was watching the 2nd half with me and recognised the St Pat's crest and I had a nightmare trying to explain to him why I wanted St Pat's to do well tonight but lose miserably on Sunday...

"Coefficients son, that's for another day."

[EatYerGreens]

Very impressive by Pats tonight, and another welcome notch on the coefficient bed post.

not so much fun for Rovers in Greece, but hopefully PAOK will take the foot off the pedal for the 2nd leg and Rovers get a draw at home. To again boost the aul' coefficient.

[sbgawa]

It's great having that money, but you had it in 2022 too and didn't exactly push home your advantage like you should have. Does your fanbase trust Bradley with the rebuild that you obviously need in the next year or two? Does he even have the stomach for it?

Lol yeah we didn't push it home at all shame we missed out on winning the league in 23 and 24......lols. missing out on winning the champions league last year was disappointing but I think real Madrid had a bit to much for us

[Knocklyonhoop]

What a terrible European manager Bradley is.

the only Irish manager to qualify for 2 group stages as well,as having the most wins in European ties Of any Irish team is…….. a terrible European manager(also only manager to win 4 leagues in a row). Ok real John , send the cv into Tolka or the Brandy and qualify for CL next season so.

ya clown