Shamrock Rovers recovered from a first-half deficit to beat Santa Clara 2-1 in the Azores, moving close to a place in the Conference League group stage. Santa Clara fielded a Brazilian-influenced side that reached the playoff by finishing fifth in Portugal. Shelbourne's control against Linfield creates the prospect of two League of Ireland teams in the European league phase. Rovers can become the first side to qualify without the champions route but must complete the tie at Tallaght Stadium next Thursday. February's defeat to Molde is a reminder that an early away advantage is not decisive. Rovers controlled midfield through Matt Healy and Dylan Watts before conceding to a rapid Santa Clara counter.
This was an encounter that didn't quite conform to national stereotypes. An Irish club going away to a Portuguese team would naturally lead to assumptions around a technically-assured host owning the ball against a banked visiting defence. But this was never expected to be that way, with Santa Clara living up to their reputation as a side that thrive in counter-attacking situations.
Stephen Bradley's side showed maturity in the Azores to come from behind and win against a Brazilian-dominated team that qualified for this competition by virtue of a fifth-placed finish in the Portuguese league. With Shelbourne in control against Linfield, it opens up the possibility of two League of Ireland sides competing in the league phase of a European competition. For Rovers, the landmark achievement would be becoming the first side to qualify without availing of the generous champions route.
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