Dogged Dundalk Bow Out But European Adventure Not Over
Legia Warsaw 1
Dundalk 1
(3-1 agg.)
Champions League Play-off Round - 2nd Leg
Dundalk will be left with many 'what if' questions in their head after their disappointing Champions League exit in Poland tonight.
But one thing that won't be questioned is the endeavour and footballing ability displayed by the Irish champions over the two legs against their Polish counterparts.
It looked like they might achieve the impossible when - at 1-0 up - the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Adam Hlousek was sent off for a second yellow card in the 67th minute.
Alas, Dundalk were unable to make the extra man count in the closing stages while Legia still carried a threat on the counter-attack.
Michal Kucharczyk latched onto a long clearance in the 2nd minute of injury time and carried the ball just inside the box before firing home the equaliser which guaranteed his side's progression.
Dundalk's goal was far more impressive with top goalscorer David McMillan's cushioned header from Sean Gannon's cross landing straight into the path of Robbie Benson.
The midfielder's incredible Roy of the Rovers volley was like an arrow into the back of the net, showing Europe just what this team are made of.
So...what if Legia hadn't got that lucky penalty in Dublin? What if Ciaran Kilduff had won his penalty or had been fit for the away leg? What if Stephen O'Donnell hadn't been suspended?
Manager Stephen Kenny will tell the players to forget about the what ifs now and get ready to seize the challenge that awaits.
They now join the likes of Manchester United, Inter Milan, Athletic Bilbao and Fiorentina in the hat for the Europa League draw this Friday at 13:00 Irish time.