Tough European test for Shamrock Rovers as they draw Icelandic opposition for second year in a row
Johnny Kenny of Shamrock Rovers reacts after his side's defeat in the Champions League first qualifying round second leg match against Breidablik last year
Shamrock Rovers face a stiff test in the first qualifying round of the Champions League as they have been paired with Icelandic champions Vikingur.
Larne would have been Rovers’ ideal opponents but the draw was not as kind to the Dublin club and for the second year in a row, they will travel to Iceland. Rovers are due to be away for the first leg next month, which will be played on either July 9/10 or July 11/12.
And the Hoops will hope to avoid a repeat of last season where they were drawn with Icelandic opposition in the same competition but lost out 3-1 on aggregate.
The first round ties in the new-look Champions League are more important than ever: the winners are guaranteed a spot in the Europa League qualifying round if they lose out in the first round of the Champions League and have a realistic chance of making the group stages of the Europa League, with a chance of making into the Conference League group phase as an added bonus.
But the losing side in the Champions League first round drop into the Conference League second qualifying round so miss out on a possible Europa League slot. Larne FC have been drawn against opposition from Latvia and the losing side in that first round tie in the Champions League will get a bye into the third qualifying round of the Conference League.
