Shamrock Rovers have been drawn to face Norwegian side Molde in the UEFA Conference League last-16 play-off, a crucial tie for the Hoops as they look to progress in European competition.
Stephen Bradley’s side narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after finishing just outside the top eight in the league phase. Despite accumulating 11 points from their six group-stage matches, Rovers were edged out on goal difference, meaning they must now overcome Molde to advance to the quarter-finals.
Rovers entered the draw as a seeded team, based on their tenth-place finish in the league phase. This pitted them against either the 23rd or 24th ranked teams, and they have drawn Molde, who finished 23rd with seven points – just enough to edge out others on goal difference, including Hearts, who also ended on seven points but were ranked 25th.
The Hoops have been granted the advantage of playing the second leg at home in Tallaght Stadium, following the first leg in Molde’s Aker Stadion on February 13. The return fixture will take place on February 20 in Dublin, where Rovers will hope to capitalize on home support and secure progression to the quarter-finals.
Should Shamrock Rovers manage to beat Molde, they will meet either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw for a spot in the next round of the competition.
The upcoming tie will be a crucial test for Rovers as they aim to continue their European journey and advance beyond the play-off stage.
