Airtricity League champions Dundalk commenced their 2020 UEFA Champions League campaign with a scoreless draw in Oriel Park this Wednesday evening against Latvian champions FC Riga. The hosts dominated possession but did not produce the cutting edge to score. Manager Vinnie Perth remains optimistic following this first leg stalemate and echoed his belief that the ‘Lilywhites’ would score in the return leg when their opponents will be expected to offer a more attacking presence.
Northern Ireland’s Premier League Champions Linfield were also in action as they went down to a two nil defeat by Norwegian champions Rosenborg in Windsor Park, and now face a daunting task in next week’s second leg.
The first qualifying round of the 2020 UEFA Champions League kicked off on Tuesday evening with Glasgow Celtic coming from behind to secure a three one away victory over Sarajevo of Bosnia&Herzegovina. Jonny Hayes was introduced from the substitute bench on fifty seven minutes but recent signing Luca Connell was not included in the matchday squad.
Welsh champions The New Saints forfeited a two goal lead by conceding twice in the final three minutes of their home tie against KF Feronikelt of Kosova. Former Bohemian striker Curtis Byrne was a late substitute for TNS.