Ajax have cruised through the early qualifying rounds with back-to-back 4-1 victories, and even a heavily rotated side — featuring five changes from their usual league eleven — should have far too much firepower for Shelbourne. The Irish visitors have shown they can find the net…
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Sign inAjax take on Shelbourne in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday, 6 August 2026. The four-time European champions host the League of Ireland title-holders in a tie that pits one of the continent’s grandest names against a Dublin side savouring a rare taste of continental progress.
Shelbourne manager John Russell has been handed a timely boost as several key players shake off injuries. Kerr McInroy made his return from knee surgery as a substitute in the second qualifying round success, while John Martin and Mipo Odubeko are both closing in on a return to action. Russell, who only recently arrived from Sligo Rovers, now has a fuller squad to pick from as his side face a colossal step up in class.
Ajax boss is expected to rotate after a 4-1 first-leg cruise against Vojvodina, but the Dutch squad still boasts considerable depth. With the Eredivisie season yet to kick off, the hosts will want to sharpen their match rhythm and take a commanding lead to Dublin.
Shelbourne reached this stage by eliminating Estonian side Nõmme Kalju 6-4 on aggregate. A thrilling 5-2 home win at Tolka Park featured a double from Sean Moore plus goals from Rodrigo Freitas, Ali Coote and substitute Daniel Ring. The second leg brought a nervier affair: Daniel Kelly’s early close-range finish calmed the nerves, but defensive lapses allowed Kalju to claw back to 2-1 on the night, with Ibrahim Jabir’s header setting up a tense finale. John Russell’s men held firm, surviving a stoppage-time strike that rattled the crossbar.
Russell is under no illusions about the gulf in resources. “Toni Fruk is talking about going to Ajax for £10 million, there are definite levels,” he said before the draw was confirmed. “However, as I keep telling the players, it is 11 v 11 when you take the pitch. You take away their time, you take away their space and you have a little more confidence in what we are doing, we have to believe in ourselves.”
Ahead of the first leg, the Shelbourne manager kept his message simple: “We’re approaching the game like any other one. We want to win a match. Simple as that.”
The return leg will be played at a raucous Tolka Park, where Shelbourne will hope to carry the tie deep into the evening and give the Dutch titans the sternest of examinations.
Ajax
DEF · 94' · 2 key passes · 1 shot (1 on target)
MID · 64' · 2 assists · 2 key passes · 6 shots (2 on target)
MID · 77' · 1 goal · 3 key passes · 4 shots (3 on target)
DEF · 94'
DEF · 94' · 4 key passes · 3 shots
Shelbourne
DEF · 93'
GK · 94'
FWD · 94' · 1 goal · 1 shot (1 on target)
DEF · 94' · 1 key pass
MID · 80' · 1 key pass
Ajax
Coach: Michel
Shelbourne
Coach: Lorcan Fitzgerald
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