Champions League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Slovan Bratislava

• Seán O'Connor
• Mon, Jul 12 2021




SHAMROCK ROVERS

Rovers face an uphill battle in Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier, after losing 2-0 in the first leg. A brace from Rafael Ratão either side of half-time secured the win for the hosts in Bratislava.

Having started slowly, Rovers sat back and allowed Slovan to enjoy good spells of possession, as well as the pick of the chances. Sean Gannon had Rovers’ best chance of the evening, but dragged his shot wide, while new signing Richie Towell tested Adrian Chovan in the Slovan net. 

The Hoops pressed higher up the pitch in the second half but grew lethargic in the hot conditions and struggled to really test the Slovan back line. The tie could have been put to bed in the dying seconds, but Alan Mannus saved Vladimir Weiss’ penalty to keep Rovers hopes alive. 

The Hoops will be backed by 1,500 home fans on Tuesday, as Tallaght Stadium hosts its first Champions League tie in nine years. Rovers will have to begin the second leg much better than they did in the first if they are to have any hope in progressing.

Stephen Bradley’s side know that a two-goal win will bring extra time against the Slovakian visitors, and possibly another magical European night at Tallaght Stadium. They are unbeaten in their last four home games, following a 3-1 win over Dundalk on 2nd July. 

Speaking to Shamrock Rovers' media ahead of the tie, Bradley reflected on the first leg, missed chances, Mannus’ heroics, and looked ahead to welcoming 1,500 supporters into the stadium.

“Ultimately Alan has kept us in the game with the save at the end. In big game scenarios Alan makes important saves. It was fantastic and it keeps us in the tie. Overall, we gave away two poor goals from our point of view, and we know we are better than what we showed over there and there's more to come from us. Hopefully, we can bring that tomorrow night." 

"Sean had one and Richie had one. I think the first half was good at times and the second half was good at times but we're better. We know that there's more in the group. We know that there's more in all aspects of the game. Slovan are obviously a very good side, and the heat was incredibly warm. We did well in parts of the game but there's more in us." 

“We've had difficult games in Tallaght before. We've had special nights in Tallaght before and hopefully this is another one. We have 1,500 fans in and I'm sure that will feel and sound like a lot more. European nights in Tallaght are always special and so hopefully it's another one on Tuesday. 

“This team is an experienced team in Europe. We've played a lot of ties together in Europe and they understand what it takes to go and win big games in Europe. We've shown that over the years and we'll need all of that know-how and experience going into the game tomorrow." 

SLOVAN BRATISLAVA 

Slovan deserved the victory in the first leg after dominating for large periods and could have put the tie beyond Rovers but for Mannus’ brilliant last minute penalty save. Their main threat on the night was 25-year-old Brazilian Rafael Ratão, who scored a goal in each half to hand Slovan a huge advantage. Weiss, Ezekiel Henty and Rabiu Ibrahim all had good  chances also.

The sides were evenly matched possession wise with Slovan edging it with 52% of the play and had eight shots to Rovers’ five (four to three on target). Manager Vladimir Weiss said afterwards speaking to his club’s media team that while they got the 2-0 results “the match was not easy."

"In the first half the overall game was not good and during the break, I told the players that we had to calm down, speed up the game, be more close to each other and closer to Henty in front. 

“We found two gaps, we scored two important goals, but it is not decided yet. It will certainly be difficult in Ireland, We have to be careful and I think we will have to score there. It won't be easy."

Slovan are currently in pre-season training and will begin their league campaign on 24th July when they host Liptovsky Mikulas. 

The winners of the tie will play Young Boys of Switzerland in the second qualifying round. The losers will enter the third round of qualifying for UEFA’s new Europa Conference League, after receiving a bye in the second round. 

Referee: Mario Zebec (Croatia)

MATCH STATS

The last time Rovers won a Champions League qualifier was in 2011, when they beat Flora Tallinn 1-0 over two legs.

Slovan visited Tallaght Stadium in August 2019, when they defeated Vinny Perth’s Dundalk side 3-1.

Slovan are unbeaten in their four pre-season games so far, winning three and drawing one.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 1 - 2 Slovan Bratislava.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Neil Farrugia, 

Doubtful: Chris McCann.

Suspended: None.

Slovan Bratislava

Injured: David Holman

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Weekend Resultshttps://t.co/DKzVuRQyuNhttps://t.co/9DLNL1ertm

League Standings #WNL19 - https://t.co/jdp6vSnFiK#WNL17 - https://t.co/AJHTtv3WnF#LOI19 - https://t.co/X2tljZdfYE#LOI17 - https://t.co/JjZv15cb0a#LOI15 - https://t.co/eJd7CpBKGX#LOI14 - https://t.co/QoSPQP2KlDpic.twitter.com/QUmlmTTPgp

— ExtraTime Underage (@ETUnderage) July 12, 2021