Shamrock Rovers earn historic point in Conference League group stage

Shamrock Rovers returned to the group stages of a UEFA club competition for the first time in over a decade as they hosted Swedish club Djurgårdens IF on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa Conference League at the Tallaght Stadium.

This was a historic match for Rovers as they were back in the group stages in a European competition for the first time since 2011-2012. Unfortunately, that 2011 Rovers squad failed to acquire any points in the Europa League group stages, losing all six matches.

Therefore on Matchday 1, Rovers were trying to acquire their first ever European group stage points and did exactly that.

Shamrock Rovers and Djurgårdens IF played to a goalless draw

Although neither club found the back of the net, it still was a good match to watch. Both sides were physical, making for some highly contested duels and challenges throughout.

There were plenty of opportunities for each team to score, but they were either wasteful with their chances or the goalkeepers made some nice saves.

Djurgårdens were the better side in the final 15 minutes of the match and controlled the final minutes of the game, but Rovers’ defense stood strong to deny Djurgårdens of any great scoring opportunities, securing the historic draw.

Shamrock Rovers look to make more history

Rovers were the first Irish club to qualify for the group stages of a UEFA competition and now they have gotten their first point in Europe.

There is no doubt that after this result against Djurgårdens, Rovers will look to become the first Irish club to advance to the knockout stages of one of the three European club competitions.

They will now face a tough away game against Gent next week and then face back-to-back games against Molde. Gent and Molde also tied their opening match of the Conference League, therefore all four sides in this group are even on 1 point after one match.

Rovers have shown throughout this qualification process that they are an extremely tough team to beat at the Tallaght Stadium. If they can manage to pick up points against Molde and Gent in Dublin, then they may have a great chance of playing in the Round-of-32 after in February.

Besides the Conference League, Shamrock Rovers have an important final stretch remaining in the Irish Premier Division. With nine matches left, Rovers have a 3-point lead on Dundalk FC, and they have two matches in hand on Dundalk. They also have a 4-point lead on Derry City, with whom they are even on games.

Shamrock Rovers Supporters: Do you predict Rovers will advance to the knockout stages of the Conference League? Leave your comments below!