Shamrock Rovers are set to embark on their incredible ride in the UEFA Conference League again as they play Norwegian club Molde in the knockout rounds. This is a major milestone for the Dublin club, who have become the first League of Ireland team to see their European campaign extend to the knockout rounds of the competition, past the orthodox calendar year.
Having already surpassed expectations, Rovers are now only a step away from the highly desired last 16 of the tournament. This achievement has seen the team travel to the Aker Stadion in Norway, where they will be playing Molde in a two-legged tie, with the first game being tonight.
Impressive Group Stage Performance
Shamrock Rovers qualified for the knockout stage following a dramatic group phase, rounding off with a strong display in which they went close to earning an automatic ticket to the next round. In a close six-match group phase, Rovers had as many points as eighth-placed Cercle Brugge but lost out through a poorer goal difference.
Despite this, their tenth-place finish in the 36-team league secured them a spot in the knockout rounds as one of the top-seeded teams, setting up an exciting encounter with Molde, who finished 23rd in their group with seven points.
Although Rovers failed to top their group, their season was a reflection of their resilience and strength, which earned them a spot among Europe’s best. The Hoops now seek to keep the momentum going as they set their sights on the competition’s next round.
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Molde’s Struggles and New Management
Molde, who has been a force to be reckoned with in Europe in the past decade, has not been in their finest domestic form as they approach the 2025 season. In spite of their excellent European history, Molde was poor in their league season and could not vie for the Norwegian championship. Consequently, they have come into the new season with Per-Mathias Hogmo at the helm, having replaced the previous head coach after spending a season in Japan.
Hogmo arrives with a vast amount of experience, having worked with several Norwegian underage squads before, along with the women’s national squad, which he took to win a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. His last managerial position was with the Norwegian men’s national squad until 2016.
Despite the current woes at Molde, Hogmo is optimistic that his team can deliver, particularly at home. He has stressed that he is looking for a quick game on the artificial surface at Aker Stadion and feels Molde can be a strong force at home.
Shamrock Rovers’ Key Departures and New Additions
For Shamrock Rovers, the case is more complicated with some of the first-team regulars leaving the club since the end of the 2024 season. Most important among those to leave are Johnny Kenny, who offered pace in devastating bursts on counterattacks, and Neil Farrugia, who was one of the most influential players in Rovers’ foray into Europe. Finally, veteran midfielder Markus Poom has also left, signing off in fine fashion with a vital away goal against Chelsea in December.
Still, Rovers have strengthened considerably for their European test. Midfielder Matt Healy comes in on a like-for-like basis for Poom, with promising young player Michael Noonan also being recruited. Winger Danny Grant and defender Adam Matthews are also Hoops signings, adding more strength to the ranks.
One of Rovers’ biggest signings is goalkeeper Ed McGinty, who will likely challenge Leon Pohls for the first-choice goalkeeper position. McGinty’s signing brings depth to Rovers’ defensive ranks, and it would not be a shock to see him play in goal for the first leg against Molde.
Rory Gaffney, out for so much of last year with injury, is also approaching full fitness and will be a new signing in the eyes of manager Stephen Bradley. Rovers will, however, be minus a number of their important players for the match.
Jack Byrne, who had knee surgery at the close of the season, is not yet a few weeks from full fitness, and Trevor Clarke is also out injured. Midfielder Darragh Nugent will also be missing, having suffered a face fracture pre-season.
A Full-Strength Rovers Side Ready for the Challenge
Despite the absentees, Shamrock Rovers will still put out a strong team as they look to leave their European mark once again. With their excellent home record in European affairs, Rovers will be seeking to take an advantage into the second leg at Tallaght Stadium next week. The tactical strategy of the team, which is built around possession play coupled with lethal counterattacks, has been extremely successful in the last few seasons, and they will seek to continue this when they play Molde.
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Prioritizing the Conference League Over Domestic Competition
While the match against Norway next time out is a must-win fixture for Shamrock Rovers, the side also has a hectic domestic schedule to contend with. Their next game against arch-enemies Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium will see the new league season get underway on Sunday. But for now, the attention is on the Conference League, where Rovers will hope to extend their fairytale adventure and reach the last 16 of the competition.
A Bright European Future for Rovers
With Shamrock Rovers set to face Molde in their European tie, they are ready to carry on their incredible run in the UEFA Conference League. In spite of some major departures, the Hoops have strengthened their team and are ready to face whatever lies ahead.
With a seasoned coaching team, a quality squad, and a good European background, Rovers will be keen to make their mark in Norway and keep their European aspirations alive. The first leg in Molde will be a thrilling challenge, and the side will be looking to bring a positive return to Tallaght for the second leg.
