Roberto Lopes goal delivers for the Hoops agaisnt a tough Apollon

The Shamrock Rovers thanks to a late Roberto Lopes goal in the 58' minute of the second half, gave the Hoops a valuable win and with prospects of moving on the third round of the European qualifiers.

However, this a little to early to call, as the Hoops still have to defend their lead and with a goal counting against them, they have to put an extra effort, to deliver a magnificent match in Tsirion Stadium.

Still the Rovers going back to Apollon they have somehow a slight lead over the Blue and White that saw one of its players getting a red card in the 83 and missing the second leg.


For the Theos manager Sofronis Avgousti not counting with Argentinian Esteban Sachetti, he will have a tough time in forming his starting eleven, by looking to contain and rally back against the momentum of the Rovers.

With a sold out Tallagth Stadium, the visitors immediately went to work and taking advantage of the Hoops backfield these went up the scoreboard with a goal from Fotios Papoulis in the 6' minute.

Still the Hoops were not out of this contest as their comeback was eight minutes later with the equalizer from Lee Grace in the 14' minute and going to halftime both sides tied with a goal apiece.

In spite of Apollon multiple nationalities in its lineup and the firepower, still the Hoops showed off their might and confidence in the course of the whole game, keeping the visitors strikers at bay.


As the locals defensive backfield playing a wondrous game, as the outcome for the Hoops playing against a more seasoned and pedigree filled initial eleven, in the end these showed off their confidence paying off in the end.

As that red card to Sachetti after his strong play against Jack Byrne, his absence in the second leg for sure will mark the difference in this upcoming match, favorable for the Irish side in the end.

The Shamrock Rovers going to Tsirion Stadium in Cyprus with the confidence and momentum that can lead them to the next rounds and maintain their drive to the stages groups this coming August 1.

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