Santa Clara knocked out of UEFA Conference League after goalless draw against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin | OneFootball

The dream of seeing the league phase of a UEFA club competition in the Azores is over after Santa Clara drew 0-0 against Shamrock Rovers to lose their Conference League playoff 2-1 on aggregate.

The Portuguese team fought until the end at the Tallaght Stadium but ultimately failed to carve out enough chances against disciplined opposition. When the draw was made hopes were high that Santa Clara could overcome the final hurdle having battled through two qualifying rounds to make the league phase of the competition, but the Irish team were deserved winners over the two legs.

Santa Clara came into the second leg trailing after Rovers had come from behind to win 2-1 in São Miguel last week. That Rovers were likely to be physically superior was a given, but both in the Azores and in their home stadium, Rovers showed themselves to be tactically astute with some good technicians in the eleven, Josh Honohan and Daniel Mandroiu especially impressing over the two games.

Gabriel Silva starts on the bench

Vasco Matos pulled off a surprise with his starting lineup by leaving star man Gabriel Silva on the bench, perhaps with the intention of bringing the pacey Brazilian on late to potentially do more damage against a tiring defence. Whether or not Gabriel would have made a difference we will never know, but Santa Clara were toothless until he came on well into the second half.

Serginho threatened early on with a firm shot from the edge of the box that was deflected wide with goalkeeper Ed McGinty struggling to get there, but that was the only chance of note for the visitors in the opening hour.

Rovers on the other hand were a whisker away from increasing their aggregate lead in the 36th minute, Josh Honohan showing good footwork to escape two defenders in the box and smash a rasping shot against the crossbar.

After the break veteran defender Roberto Lopes twice came close from headers as the hosts continued to look the more likely team to score.

On the hour mark Matos turned to his bench, brining on Gabriel Silva and Matheus Pereira, with Paulo Victor and Wendel making way.

McGinty denies Vinícius

Santa Clara at last fashioned a chance in the 70th minute. The indefatigable Sidney Lima swung over a cross from the right touchline, with Vinícius swivelling and connecting sweetly with the ball, sending it rocketing towards the net where McGinty showed tremendous reflexes and a strong wrist to deflect it over the bar.

With time running out Matos made three more changes, bringing on Elias Manoel, Lucas Soares and Pedro Ferreira, and the islanders were now working up a head of steam with the home team beginning to show signs of nerves.

Gabriel Silva sent a header narrowly wide, then the same player whipped in free kick that goalkeeper McGinty could only parry into the six-yard box with no Santa Clara player able to pounce and get the decisive touch.

Deep into stoppage time the final chance for a dramatic leveller fell to Lucas Soares, but he could not get enough power on his shot.

Missed opportunity

Santa Clara’s European adventure ends, they bow out with their head held high, but their fans will no doubt look upon the playoff result as a golden chance missed.

It should not be forgotten, however, that the Azorean outfit were playing second division football little over a year ago. The priority now will be to get their league campaign on track and attempt to repeat last season’s fifth-place finish.