Shelbourne FC Ready to Take on Next European Assignment
Shelbourne’s Europa League adventure came to a heartbreaking end on a dramatic night at Tolka Park, but attention now turns to their Conference League ambitions. After a stunning 2-1 away victory over Croatian champions Rijeka in the first leg, Joey O’Brien’s side entered the return fixture with real hope of progressing.
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A Night of Highs and Lows
The visitors displayed their quality in Dublin with two excellent goals, yet Shelbourne fought back. Mipo Odubeko’s late penalty, awarded after a lengthy VAR check, looked set to force extra-time and keep alive the dream of securing a €3.8 million boost from advancing. However, Ante Orec shattered those hopes in the 90th minute, finding the bottom corner to seal Rijeka’s passage and send Shels into the Conference League play-offs instead.
Player Reactions and Missed Chances
Midfielder Kerr McInroy spoke to RTÉ Sport afterwards, expressing pride in the team’s effort despite the disappointment. “They’re obviously a really good side and showed that,” he said. “We did ourselves proud over the two legs, but it wasn’t to be.” Early in the match, Shelbourne were denied what they felt was a clear penalty when Rijeka goalkeeper Martin Zlomislic collided with Ali Coote, only for the referee to wave play on. Moments later, Rijeka struck first, dealing a blow to the home side’s momentum.
The Turning Point That Wasn’t
Odubeko’s 86th-minute penalty reignited belief inside Tolka Park. McInroy recalled the tension of the VAR decision, describing it as “feeling like it went on forever.” When the goal went in, the crowd erupted, and the hosts sensed they could push the tie into extra-time. But Orec’s late strike proved decisive, leaving Shelbourne with no way back.
Looking Ahead to the Conference League
Shelbourne now prepare to face either Linfield—whom they beat in a Champions League qualifier earlier this year—or Faroese side Vikingur in the Conference League play-offs. McInroy remains optimistic despite the setback. “It’s another opportunity after we dust ourselves down from this,” he said, eager to seize the next chance for European progress.
