Europa Conference League: Bohemians -v- F91 Dudelange

• Seán O'Connor
• Thu, Jul 29 2021




BOHEMIANS

Bohemians welcome Luxembourg’s F91 Dudelange to the Aviva Stadium for this evening’s Europa Conference League second qualifying round (second leg). 

8000 supporters will pack into Lansdowne Road tonight as Bohs come into the tie with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney starred in Luxembourg last week, with Devoy’s outstanding cross setting up Tierney to score. A victory and clean sheet away in Europe for any Irish team is a great achievement, and Bohs will know that a similar, disciplined performance tonight should see them into the next round to face POAK.

An increase of 2000 spectators from the last round did little to help the demand for this game, as all 8000 tickets sold out 90 minutes after going on general sale. Further evidence of the huge appetite for Irish football among the public, and the potential clubs have if given the stage to shine. Bohs will earn 550,000 Euro if they progress tonight.

Keith Long named a much-changed starting line-up when they faced College Corinthians in last Sunday’s FAI Cup first round. Captain Keith Buckley, 16-year-old Jamie Mullins and man of the moment Devoy were amongst the goal scorers, as Bohs cruised to a 5-0 win. Bohs meet Shamrock Rovers in the second round. 

Keith Long spoke to the Bohs media team last weekend, reflecting on Tierney’s recent form and looking ahead to tonight’s big European tie.

“Ross has created goals for us this year, he’s scored goals for us, he’s a total nuisance for the opposition outside the box in terms of his pressing and chasing down balls. He’s really stepped up this year and taken his game to another level.

“Dudelange grew stronger into the game the longer it went on as you would expect. We defended really well which was important and we saw the game out. It wasn’t a comfortable win.

It was really hot and challenging, but the boys dug out a great result. The pitch was poor too, the Aviva pitch will suit them better as it wills us. Its only half time in the tie, they are a very good side”

F91 DUDELANGE

Dudelange will be hoping to cause an upset tonight, similar to the one their national side inflicted on Stephen Kenny’s Ireland back in March. 

The tie is far from over, and the side form Luxembourg have more experience in Europe in recent years, having qualified for the Europa League group stages in 2017 and 2019. 

The visitors are currently in pre-season and lost 3-0 away to Sochaux last Sunday. 

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have kept two clean sheets in their three European ties so far in this campaign.

Georgie Kelly and Ross Tierney are the home side’s top scorers in Europe this season, with two each.

Bohs will earn 550,000 Euro should they progress tonight, adding to the 300,000 they earned for progressing past Stjarnan in the first qualifying round.

Betting:

Bohemians 8/13,   Draw 12/5, Dudelange  7/2

Prediction:

Bohemians 1 - 0 Dudelange

Bohemians

Injured: None

Doubtful: Stephen Mallon

Suspended: None

F91 Dudelange

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None

Vinny Perth: 'This is an opportunity to create a new future and forget the past of the club' https://t.co/N6yIoNiKfspic.twitter.com/eZB0O0kfo8

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 29, 2021