Shamrock Rovers have suffered a tough 4-0 loss tonight away to Ferencvaros, with their Europa League qualifying tie all but over before they next week's second leg in Tallaght.
The Hungarian side were on top from the first minute to the last, and hit the post early on in the match, before taking the lead after Carlos Auzqi tapped in from close range when Rovers failed to deal with a cross.
There was little to cheer from an attacking sense for Shamrock Rovers, as they spent the majority of their energy trying the quell the relentless waves of Ferencvaros players dangerously eyeing another goal.
And a second goal did come in the 34th minute. Just seconds after hitting the post, the home side came right back at Shamrock Rovers before Adam Traore tapped in after a low cross across the face of goal.
Two First Half Goals
13 mins: Ferencvaros 1-0 Shamrock Rovers - After concerted early pressure, the Hungarians take the lead, Carlos Auzqui forcing home from close range #rtesoccer
💻https://t.co/DB1uZo5zpN
📺 https://t.co/JYf06csaIG pic.twitter.com/CviXg4nyIQ— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 18, 2022
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34 mins: Ferencvaros 2-0 Shamrock Rovers - A minute after hitting the post for a second time, the livewire Ryan Mmaee lays it on a plate for Adama Traoré to double the hosts' lead#rtesoccer
💻https://t.co/DB1uZo5zpN
📺 https://t.co/JYf06csaIG pic.twitter.com/ucukh3Zf2h— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 18, 2022
Rovers made it to half-time lucky to be two goals down, but it was much the same in the second 45, and Ferencvaros grabbed their third just three minutes after the second half whistle.
A Ferencvaros counter-attack and a scuffed clearance landed the ball at the feet of Traore once more, and he slotted home for his second of the match.
Rovers clung on desperately as Ferencvaros squandered numerous chances to grab fourth, until deep into injury, Eldar Civic put the tie beyond doubt when his lethargic 25-yard volley somehow snuck inside Alan Mannus' left side post.
Despite the unsavoury loss and the massive mountain left to climb for Shamrock Rovers, they are safe in the knowledge that group stage European football is guaranteed, as the loser qualifies for the Europa Conference League groups stages.
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