Victory over FC Dudelange in the first qualifying round gave the Irish second-tier side their greatest ever moment,and they head to Slovakia hoping to keep the tie alive for a likely sellout second-leg crowdFor some of those familiar with the travails of bitter Thursday nights in European outposts, the Europa League is the bane of a season. A nuisance that derails pursuits in higher-precedence competitions and one best avoided whether you want to prosper elsewhere. But before the malaise and cynicism sets in and the majority of great names join the competition, and romance remains in seldom-trodden places.
None more so than at University College Dublin,the second-tier Republic of Ireland side who progressed for the first time in continental competition by overcoming Luxembourg’s F91 Dudelange on away goals, while two of the other three teams in the Irish Premier Division bowed out limply. “It was like we had won the competition, and the UCD manager,Collie O’Neill, said. On Thursday the tiniest of minnows continue living the dream away to Slovan Bratislava.
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Source: theguardian.com