LOI In Europe 2025

[geysir]

A sensational 'Better Than Beckham' goal for Valur in Tallinn this evening.

time stamped youtube link (https://youtu.be/7wN9W9FlMis?t=2320)

[ger121]

Partizani just missed a penalty in the 80th minute. That tie could go to ET. Good news for Pat’s. I’d think they’d fancy the Estonians a little more than the Albanians.

Kalju have done a smash and grab job there. 5 attempts over 120+ minutes. I’ll have to watch the highlights later but really does seem as though the Albanians should have won tonight and gone through.

Better team for Pat’s. Little less travel and heat wouldn’t be such a factor. Good chance of getting to Round 3.

[ger121]

Geysir will be happy tonight. Vikingur won 8 nil and Valur won away from home. Both through to next round. With Breidablik winning well last night they could have a team in the League stages. They also could finish ahead of us in the Country Ranking come the end of the season so one to watch.

[ger121]

I’m not watching the Cliftonville game and I know they are down to 10 men but are they shouting themselves in the foot against St Joseph’s? I’m not sure who Rovers would rather face. Would he hot in Gibraltar.

[placid casual]

Yeah but it's always freezing in tallaght so swings and roundabouts.
It's like watching 2 baldies fighting over a comb,both teams look limited and both out on their feet in extra time.
From a Rovers perspective hoping that Cliftonville equalize but it's hard to see them do it. Mad game though.

[ger121]

Yeah but it's always freezing in tallaght so swings and roundabouts.
It's like watching 2 baldies fighting over a comb,both teams look limited and both out on their feet in extra time.
From a Rovers perspective hoping that Cliftonville equalize but it's hard to see them do it. Mad game though.

You better get some Factor 50.

[yurt]

Really disappointed Cliftonville didn't get it done this evening. Would have made for a much better tie against Rovers. Watching the games in Gibraltar have been a tough watch in recent seasons. The Irish derby aspect would have added a bit more media attention to it as well.

Rovers and Pats will both be odds on favorites to qualify.

[total hoofball]

St. Joseph's from last season matches against Shels looked to be about the same level as Linfield so I would be amazed if Rovers don't progress

[geysir]

Geysir will be happy tonight. Vikingur won 8 nil and Valur won away from home. Both through to next round. With Breidablik winning well last night they could have a team in the League stages. They also could finish ahead of us in the Country Ranking come the end of the season so one to watch.

Just trippin' the light fantastic. 5-1, 9-0, 5-1 :) Good to see both LOIs strutting their stuff in Euro club competition. I'd say the goal with the coefficients is to reach 24th, automatic CL2 entry. Both leagues could make that with reaching 3 conference group stages in a row, one down two to go.

[EatYerGreens]

Just trippin' the light fantastic. 5-1, 9-0, 5-1 :) Good to see both LOIs strutting their stuff in Euro club competition. I'd say the goal with the coefficients is to reach 24th, automatic CL2 entry. Both leagues could make that with reaching 3 conference group stages in a row, one down two to go.

I think the LOI is stil some way off teams qualifying for the group stages every single year. We're still very dependent upon the luck of the draw to enable that.

[ger121]

Just trippin' the light fantastic. 5-1, 9-0, 5-1 :) Good to see both LOIs strutting their stuff in Euro club competition. I'd say the goal with the coefficients is to reach 24th, automatic CL2 entry. Both leagues could make that with reaching 3 conference group stages in a row, one down two to go.

Would you say this is the strongest the Icelandic League has been to-date and if so why? Are teams moving to full-time football or investment in clubs, both or something else? They are hammering sides in Europe so far this season.

[outspoken]

Would you say this is the strongest the Icelandic League has been to-date and if so why? Are teams moving to full-time football or investment in clubs, both or something else? They are hammering sides in Europe so far this season.

Remember reading a piece after Icelands success at euro 2016 about how huge money had been invested into the domestic league, most of it by the government I'm fairly sure

[geysir]

I think the LOI is stil some way off teams qualifying for the group stages every single year. We're still very dependent upon the luck of the draw to enable that.
We are taking about the pathway of one team dropping from CL to Conf. groups? It looked very doable last season for both SR and Vikingur, afair both teams earned their pathway on merit to the group stage where there are very beatable teams. Anyway that was the first year of this format, so it is early days yet. And if SR could gain 15 coiff points with their run, so too will other teams.

[placid casual]

How did Cliftonville manage to lose that tie..

I'd be quietly confident that Rovers can beat josephs anyway

[yurt]

I think the LOI is still some way off teams qualifying for the group stages every single year. We're still very dependent upon the luck of the draw to enable that.

38/53 countries get a team in the group stages. We've no god given right to be one of those 38 but you'd have to admit that any year an LOI team isn't there is a huge disappointment.

The draw for the third round is out on Monday. There is such a wide range in potential opponents for all 3 clubs. There's a pretty good chance that Shels could be playing the Gibraltar champions in the Europa league.

[pateen]

Premier Sports for the next round. Means RTE won't bother their holes mentioning it.

Not a whisper of the Pats result yesterday on the news. Shower a cúnts their in Montrose

[2 Year Contract]

Back from a great aul trip over to Lithuania. It was probably the most relaxed I’ve felt about a match I’ve ever felt while on a European away trip. A 6th minute goal to give you a 2 goal lead against a poor side will do that though. Melia and Leavy were an absolute joy to watch over there, even aside from their goals

[holidaysong]

FCSB (ROM) or Shkendija (MKD) for Shelbourne in UCL R3, if they can get through R2.

[2 Year Contract]

FCSB (ROM) or Shkendija (MKD) for Shelbourne in UCL R3, if they can get through R2.
Rijeka or Ludogorets in the EL if they lose to Qarabag which is more likely. A tough draw regardless

[ger121]

Rijeka or Ludogorets in the EL if they lose to Qarabag which is more likely. A tough draw regardless

That was the worst draw they could have gotten.

[holidaysong]

Rijeka or Ludogorets in the EL if they lose to Qarabag which is more likely. A tough draw regardless

Worst option that they could have gotten in UEL. Riga or Lincoln Red Imps were the likely opponents in the other two options. Qarabag is probably more winnable than either of the UEL parachute options.

[yurt]

It looks almost odds on that Shels will be in the ECL playoff. I guess they can't feel too hard done by with the stinker of a draw after getting such a good one in round 1 when they really needed it.

That playoff wont have too many easy teams in the pot either. Those teams will be coming off a winning runs too and Shels will likely have played 4 much harder fixtures without much of the ball, maybe that will stand to them in itself.

They've a lot to learn at this level and these next toes against much stronger opposition will teach them a lot

[Burnsie]

It looks almost odds on that Shels will be in the ECL playoff. I guess they can't feel too hard done by with the stinker of a draw after getting such a good one in round 1 when they really needed it.

That playoff wont have too many easy teams in the pot either. Those teams will be coming off a winning runs too and Shels will likely have played 4 much harder fixtures without much of the ball, maybe that will stand to them in itself.

They've a lot to learn at this level and these next toes against much stronger opposition will teach them a lot

Because Shels are in the Champions Path, any potential opponent in the Conference play-off will probably also have lost two ties already. So for example, they coulnd't draw Crystal Palace or Fiorentina, or any team who started in the Conference League and won their way through three rounds

[2 Year Contract]

If Pats win they’ll play the loser of Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the 3rd round which would be the of the road

[ger121]

Rovers will face Floriana of Malta or Balkani of Kosovo if they progress. Can be pleased with that draw. Are Ballkani the side that made back to back Group Stages or are they more now the side that lost to Santa Coloma and Larne last season.

[ger121]

If Pats win they’ll play the loser of Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the 3rd round which would be the of the road

You would have to think so.

[sessylU]

Very much squinting at storm clouds to try find a silver lining here, but it's nice to so many people disappointed at Irish teams getting tough draws. I think that in the past, there would have been a tendency to view Besiktas or Shaktar as glamour ties. It speaks a bit to the growing confidence and esteem of Irish soccer, I think.

I'm reminded of when Derry drew PSG. The team watched the draw together and everyone cheered when they got drawn against the glamour team. Except Kenny, who was a bit annoyed that they didn't get any of the other teams where he would have fancied his chances.

[geysir]

Would you say this is the strongest the Icelandic League has been to-date and if so why? Are teams moving to full-time football or investment in clubs, both or something else? They are hammering sides in Europe so far this season. The difference this year so far are the margins of victory, real progress in europe is measured by the round, we'll see how that one works out.
In Iceland detailed annual club accounts are published online (imagine that!!). I had a peep at Breidabliks and Vikingurs. Icelandic clubs are membership owned, there are no shares, the board is elected at AGM and is answerable to the membership.
Both clubs are very well run, both have an invested slush fund of ca. Eur2m at years end. In 2024 Breidablik got knocked out in the 2nd conf l, sold Eur800k worth of shares mid season to keep things ticking over and won the league title on the last day. in 2024 Vikingur's total income was 12m eur (6m. from uefa!!).
I'm reminded of that sketch where Liverpool lads go to London and end up with barrow loads of cash, except here the europe campaign is taken seriously, the boat is pushed out but knowing there is a slush fund which has been built up over the years. Preparation expenses are detailed and have markedly increased, (charter flights etc). The europe campaign is a planned adventure not a gamble.

I'd say the big thing to avoid in Europe is fluking a win in the EL play offs and end up losing all group games.

[EatYerGreens]

It looks almost odds on that Shels will be in the ECL playoff. I guess they can't feel too hard done by with the stinker of a draw after getting such a good one in round 1 when they really needed it.

That playoff wont have too many easy teams in the pot either. Those teams will be coming off a winning runs too and Shels will likely have played 4 much harder fixtures without much of the ball, maybe that will stand to them in itself.

They've a lot to learn at this level and these next toes against much stronger opposition will teach them a lot

Duff could well end up regretting his little tantrum, when he could have been adding a few more feathers to his CV instead.

[ger121]

The difference this year so far are the margins of victory, real progress in europe is measured by the round, we'll see how that one works out.
In Iceland detailed annual club accounts are published online (imagine that!!). I had a peep at Breidabliks and Vikingurs. Icelandic clubs are membership owned, there are no shares, the board is elected at AGM and is answerable to the membership.
Both clubs are very well run, both have an invested slush fund of ca. Eur2m at years end. In 2024 Breidablik got knocked out in the 2nd conf l, sold Eur800k worth of shares mid season to keep things ticking over and won the league title on the last day. in 2024 Vikingur's total income was 12m eur (6m. from uefa!!).
I'm reminded of that sketch where Liverpool lads go to London and end up with barrow loads of cash, except here the europe campaign is taken seriously, the boat is pushed out but knowing there is a slush fund which has been built up over the years. Preparation expenses are detailed and have markedly increased, (charter flights etc). The europe campaign is a planned adventure not a gamble.

I'd say the big thing to avoid in Europe is fluking a win in the EL play offs and end up losing all group games.

Thanks for that Geysir. €6 million turnover for Vikingur, minus the euro money is still a serious turnover. Would love to know what that is made up of.

[culloty82]

Rovers will face Floriana of Malta or Balkani of Kosovo if they progress. Can be pleased with that draw. Are Ballkani the side that made back to back Group Stages or are they more now the side that lost to Santa Coloma and Larne last season.

They're 3-2 up on Floriana at HT, so can't imagine Rovers will exactly be quaking at the prospect of facing either.

[yurt]

Shkendija beat FCSB 1-0 at home this evening. Should give Shels a little extra encouragement to see it's possible to get a result and to even dream about a path to the champions league.

A champions league playoff against Celtic in the Aviva would be an interesting occasion.

[ger121]

Shkendija beat FCSB 1-0 at home this evening. Should give Shels a little extra encouragement to see it's possible to get a result and to even dream about a path to the champions league.

A champions league playoff against Celtic in the Aviva would be an interesting occasion.

FCSB were awful over 2 legs against the Andorran champions so I am not too surprised Shkendjia got a result.
You could say that Shels’ tie against Qarabag in the 2nd round is much harder than the 2 potential opponents in the 3rd round. Having said that, and you all may be laughing at me this time tomorrow night, but I have a sneaky feeling about Shels tomorrow. Qarabag have serious European pedigree but maybe, just maybe they are not at the levels of 2-3 seasons ago and are also out of season. Stranger things have happened so far in qualifying.

[2 Year Contract]

FCSB were awful over 2 legs against the Andorran champions so I am not too surprised Shkendjia got a result.
You could say that Shels’ tie against Qarabag in the 2nd round is much harder than the 2 potential opponents in the 3rd round. Having said that, and you all may be laughing at me this time tomorrow night, but I have a sneaky feeling about Shels tomorrow. Qarabag have serious European pedigree but maybe, just maybe they are not at the levels of 2-3 seasons ago and are also out of season. Stranger things have happened so far in qualifying.

I know the credentials of Qarabag, but I’d agree with you that it’s not quite the impossible task that Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk would be for Pats if they get through R2 for example. Qarabag were beaten in the Azerbaijan cup final by Sabah who Pats beat home and away this time last year, keeping 2 clean sheets. Hard to know what level they’re at given it’s pre-season but if they're not fully at it then Shels picking up a result isn’t a totally wild proposition if they play to their best

[Nesta99]

Shkendija beat FCSB 1-0 at home this evening. Should give Shels a little extra encouragement to see it's possible to get a result and to even dream about a path to the champions league.

A champions league playoff against Celtic in the Aviva would be an interesting occasion.

Not that I think it will happen but thats the fixture as a LoI fan Id hate, especially in the past when youd definitely be outnumbered even at home, the result could be a stick to beat the league with, and there would always be a hint of hope that you could cause an upset against a big club 'cause Scottish sides can have huge blips. Now I would be so bothered about the fan numbers to the same extent even if still outnumbered (which I still find mad), there's lest tendency to give the league a kicking (huge clubs have been hammered more often it seems in recent times), though I think Celtic are past having really bad days and are a very good side!? Do Celtic still have the draw they used to in this country even? Are the days of half of Northern Ireland seeming to be at their games still a thing? If it were possible Id prefer Rangers, a bit briitle and most people at the game would be rooting for the home club as it should be.

I also think Shels will belie their league postion, which could work to their favour. Theyve been on the wrong end of some close draws and losses, their form hasnt been catastrophic fall off, just results that they were gettig last season have been hard to come by. So I think they could be underestimated even by ourselves, and I do think they suit European football. Linfield may have flattered a bit but they'd have been seriously up for that tie, better sides have been sloppier in their Eureopean preseason.

[Martinho II]

Not that I think it will happen but thats the fixture as a LoI fan Id hate, especially in the past when youd definitely be outnumbered even at home, the result could be a stick to beat the league with, and there would always be a hint of hope that you could cause an upset against a big club 'cause Scottish sides can have huge blips. Now I would be so bothered about the fan numbers to the same extent even if still outnumbered (which I still find mad), there's lest tendency to give the league a kicking (huge clubs have been hammered more often it seems in recent times), though I think Celtic are past having really bad days and are a very good side!? Do Celtic still have the draw they used to in this country even? Are the days of half of Northern Ireland seeming to be at their games still a thing? If it were possible Id prefer Rangers, a bit briitle and most people at the game would be rooting for the home club as it should be.

I also think Shels will belie their league postion, which could work to their favour. Theyve been on the wrong end of some close draws and losses, their form hasnt been catastrophic fall off, just results that they were gettig last season have been hard to come by. So I think they could be underestimated even by ourselves, and I do think they suit European football. Linfield may have flattered a bit but they'd have been seriously up for that tie, better sides have been sloppier in their Eureopean preseason.

Judging by the crowd in Pairc Ui Chaoimh think Celtic still have a strong following!

[yurt]

Surprised to see how long Shels are in the odds to get a result this evening. I fancy Shels to cause them a couple of problems and hopefully catch them on the hop in their first competitive game of the season.

[pineapple stu]

I hope you're right - Dundalk drew with them at home a few years back so it's doable - but I think Shels are a limited enough side and will do very well to get anything. They did draw with Zurich last year but they were well beaten in the first leg, which makes a big difference.

I'll say 2-0 to Qarabag. Hoping Kearns' injury doesn't have anything to do with it (obviously biased towards the two ex UCD keepers)

[Tomas]

Go on Shelbourne! Just put my money where my mount is. 5/1 to win at my local bookies. My weekly wages of 460 euro.

Go on Shelbourne!

Lived close to Dalymount Park, remember those pre-game fights between both set of supporters. "I have seen better fights in a Finglas chipper," legendary Pat Fenlon said after an argy-bargy ending of the game between Bohs and Shels. "If there is going to be a fight you would like to see a good one."

[pineapple stu]

Inter Escaldes 1-0 up in Ljubljana at halftime.

Just 135 minutes to hang on to be the first Andorran side to make the group stages!

Edit - and how Shels didn't score there, I don't know. I thought it was given initially - i presume there's no goalline tech to go with VAR? Qarabag the better side so far though

[pineapple stu]

And there's the goal for Qarabag. 11 minutes in. Big gap in class here unfortunately. Would fear Qarabag will push to have this closed off ahead of the second leg

[2 Year Contract]

Go on Shelbourne! Just put my money where my mount is. 5/1 to win at my local bookies. My weekly wages of 460 euro.

Go on Shelbourne!

Lived close to Dalymount Park, remember those pre-game fights between both set of supporters. "I have seen better fights in a Finglas chipper," legendary Pat Fenlon said after an argy-bargy ending of the game between Bohs and Shels. "If there is going to be a fight you would like to see a good one."

A useful resource: https://gamblingcare.ie/

[placid casual]

Qarabag are a quality side and many levels above shel's( and any other LOI team).
Shels unlucky not to score but if Qarabag decide to put the foot down it could be 3 or 4 quite quickly

[RealJohn91]

The Zoubir fella is a cracking player

[2 Year Contract]

Inter Escaldes 1-0 up in Ljubljana at halftime.

Just 135 minutes to hang on to be the first Andorran side to make the group stages!

Edit - and how Shels didn't score there, I don't know. I thought it was given initially - i presume there's no goalline tech to go with VAR? Qarabag the better side so far though

I don’t think they do install goal line technology in grounds no. Not that it was needed there, that Gannon chance was clear cut not over the line

[the 12 th man]

3 Shels defenders ball watching.

[pineapple stu]

2-0 to the Andorrans in Slovenia. Something's brewing there!

[the 12 th man]

How did Gannon not get a yellow there?

[pineapple stu]

2-0 to the Andorrans in Slovenia. Something's brewing there!
2-2 now. Excitement over...

[ger121]

2-2 now. Excitement over...

3-2 now but still…