Shamrock Rovers will have to do it the hard way in order to reach the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after losing 2-0 to Ararat-Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.
A resolute defensive performance by Stephen Bradley’s side was undone by goals from Sandro Lima and Zidane Banjaqui in the second half, with the second leg to come next week at Tallaght Stadium.
This was Shamrock Rovers third game in eight days, a stretch that began with a victory over Floriana in the Champions League last Tuesday and a bout with Cork City on Friday in the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup at Tallaght Stadium.
Stephen Bradley retained five players from that extra-time defeat of the Rebel Army, with Ed McGinty, Roberto Lopes, Tunmise Sobowale, Matt Healy, and Aaron Greene all featuring once again.
The home side were buoyant after recording their first ever victory in the Champions League last week by overcoming Latvian outfit Riga.
What played out was an even game that began with Pico Lopes getting to a cross at the near post and João Bravim coming out to stop Greene from getting a shot away inside the area.
The Hoops enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to manufacture a chance that might threaten the home side.
Sandro Lima slides home Ararat’s opening goal
The home side finished the half with their best spell in possession, and every pass was met with a yellow jersey as Rovers dug in to frustrate the hosts before the break.
It was goalless at the break but Rovers were architects of their own downfall shortly after the restart. On 51 minutes, a Lee Grace pass which was intended for Lopes was intercepted by Lima.
The Brazilian held his composure to cut inside Lopes and then round McGinty and slide home the opening goal.
The Hoops almost equalised straight away from an Adam Brennan cross to Greene, which ricocheted past the keeper and almost trickled into the net.
This was the beginning of a strong period for Rovers, and Bradley looked to capitalise on their momentum by bringing on Jake Mulraney and Jonathan Afolabi in the 67th minute.
There were neat passing moves and crosses into the box, as Ararat held firm in defence.
Then came a pass from Franca to Banjaqui and the substitute hit the back of the net in the 80th minute.
Ararat gained insurance, and 2-0 aggregate lead to take to next week’s return leg in Dublin.
Ararat-Armenia: João Bravim; Kamo Hovhannisyan (Luis Felipe 75), Bruno Wilson, Junior Bueno, Bruno Pereira (Maxence Carlier 60); Alwyn Tera (Zidane Banjaqui 65), Karen Muradyan, Hugo Oliveira, Artur Serobyan (Paul Ayongo 75), Sandro Lima, Zhirayr Shaghoyan (Franca 65).
Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Tunmise Sobowale, Lee Grace (Luke O’Regan 66), Roberto Lopes, Cory O’Sullivan, Adam Brennan (Jake Mulraney 67); Dylan Watts, Matt Healy, Jack Byrne (Naj Razi 90); Aaron Greene (Jonathan Afolabi 67), Grahame Burke.
Referee: David Dickinson (Scotland)