Egnatia Rrogozhinë vs Shamrock Rovers: Hoops eye play-off
Egnatia Rrogozhinë and Shamrock Rovers meet at the Albanian side's Arena Egnatia home on Thursday, 13 August 2026, for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie. The Irish visitors hold a commanding 3-1 aggregate lead after a dominant second-half display in Tallaght, and now stand 90 minutes away from a play-off clash with Lillestrøm — and the guarantee of Conference League group-stage football.
First-leg recap and what’s at stake
Graham Burke’s penalty, a Pico Lopes header and Aaron Greene’s close-range finish from a Jack Byrne corner put Stephen Bradley’s side firmly in control last week. Egnatia’s away goal, credited to an own goal off Greene, gives them a sliver of hope: a 2-0 home win would take them through. Rovers, however, know that simply avoiding defeat sends them into a play-off against Lillestrøm of Norway, a tie that also secures a place in the Conference League proper. For Egnatia, who have never reached the group stage of any European competition, overturning a two-goal deficit represents the chance to make history.
Team News and Injury Latest
Egnatia manager Nevil Dede has no fresh injury concerns and could field a similar XI to the one that started in Dublin. Goalkeeper Mario Dajsinani, who made several early saves to keep the first leg alive, will captain the side. Jurguens Montenegro and Alessandro Albanese are expected to lead the attack after appearing off the bench in Tallaght, while Fernando Medeiros and Altin Kryeziu provide industry in midfield. Defender Eneo Bitri is likely to keep his place in a back three.