51 minutes into the Dundalk-Zenit match tonight, people were wondering would this fairytale ever end. Zenit, universally held to be the strongest team in the group, looked set to be the latest to fall to the champions of Ireland.
A tweet from Stephen Mullins demonstrated that Dundalk FC have indeed changed the world.
When barman turns off Utd for Dundalk game..times have changed #EuropaLeague #DundalkZenit #HonTheTown
— Stephen Mullins (@Mully___) October 20, 2016
Robbie Benson scored a goal from long range on 51 minutes. People were looking at each other wondering whether Dundalk would ever fail to win again.
GGGGGOOOOAAALLLLL#Dundalk 1-0 #LOIinEurope #DundalkZenit pic.twitter.com/peor8ziOnH
— ⚽️Gary Traynor™ (@GaryTraynor1) October 20, 2016
Dundalk. My word. This story doesn't end. #DundalkZenit
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 20, 2016
This.is.happening. #DundalkZenit
— Dalton Dullaghan (@daltondullaghan) October 20, 2016
Good god, @DundalkFC are at it again!
They lead Zenit 1-0. #UEL #DundalkZenit
— Dave O'Grady (@DaveOGrady1) October 20, 2016
Squad cost...
Zenit - £145m
Dundalk - £20,000
The Irish team are beating the Russian giants 1-0 #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/gFOO896URV
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) October 20, 2016
DUNDALK ARE BEATING ZENIT
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
— TheODDSbible (@TheOddsBible) October 20, 2016
Shortly afterwards, a skied goalkeeping clearance was ruthlessly punished by Zenit. Mak passing home the equaliser.
WATCH!
A poor clearance from Gabriel Sava allows Zenit in and they equalise through Mak. 1-1. #LOIinEurope https://t.co/TPuYyTrGv3— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 20, 2016
Where's a solid, consistent plastic pitch when you need it?#DundalkZenit
— Neil Ahern (@neilahern) October 20, 2016
It's always a defensive bollocks. #DundalkZenit
— bfscru (@BelfastCrusader) October 20, 2016
Oh no sava ? #DundalkZenit 1-1
— Zarah Shah (@ShahZarah) October 20, 2016
A Dundalk team assembled for €20k - playing 5th game in 12 days - leading a Zenit squad that cost €145m. Whatever happens from now. Wow.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) October 20, 2016
Zenit were thoroughly rejuvenated and Dundalk's confidence was shaken. The Russian time grabbed hold of the game and hungrily sought a winner.
The slick Zenit attack worked a delightful second goal to give to put them 2-1 ahead. They still had time to miss a penalty. Giuliano finished it off.
WATCH!
Here's how Giuliano put Zenit 2-1 ahead in Tallaght Stadium. #LOIinEurope https://t.co/TDKvqQLt5m— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 20, 2016
Dundalk looking leggy, so many games but brilliant effort. 1-2 #DundalkZenit #DundalkFC
— Father Damo Lennon (@DamoFather) October 20, 2016
I'm sure FranGavin & #FAI glad their fixturelist has knackered @Dundalk
C'mon #Dundalk U can do this despite the begrudgers#DundalkZenit— Tom Baldwin (@LegalEagleStar) October 20, 2016
No shame in conceding to Giuliano. He has 3 goals and 5 assists in his 3 #EuropaLeague games so far. Good player #DundalkZenit
— David Gorman (@DavidGorman20) October 20, 2016
Very obvious Dundalk just didn't have the legs after hectic schedule. Surely a re vamp of that league has to be done now. #DundalkZenit
— Chimy bonda (@JimJamTheMonk) October 20, 2016
Immediately after the final whistle, Brian Kerr had a pop at the football authorities for Dundalk's insane fixture schedule. They have had to play a game roughly every three days in the past couple of weeks.
Strong, emotional and poignant words from Brian Kerr immediately after tonight's game. #LOIinEurope https://t.co/WhVyz393tk
— eir Sport (@eirSport) October 20, 2016
#BrianKerr saying it as it is ... #fai and #loi ridiculously in making @dundalk play the amount of fixtures that they have. C'mon de Town
— Tom Baldwin (@LegalEagleStar) October 20, 2016
Brian Kerr dead right the league and Fai are doing #Dundalk no favour's playing every 3 days, out on their feet for last 30 tonight
— Derek Maher (@dero1978) October 20, 2016
Not surprising their 5th game in 12 days has worked against them. Absolutely flogging them. They're not robots!! #Dundalk
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) October 20, 2016
Gutted. But what a performance from this team. Have brought serious pride to the town. #DundalkZenit
— Conor Califf (@ConorCaliff) October 20, 2016
