Good evening and welcome along to our live coverage of the clash between Shamrock Rovers and Celje in the Uefa Conference League.
If you haven’t been following our liveblog from the other Uefa Conference League fixture, it’s currently Shkendija 0-0 Shelbourne in the second half.
But our business is in Tallaght Stadium here and Shamrock Rovers’ ongoing quest to reach the knockout phase of the competition. Following a 4-1 defeat away to Sparta Prague, the Premier Division champions-elect are hosting Slovenian league leaders Celje tonight.
Kick-off is at 8pm and we’ll be bringing you through all the action. Team line-ups will be coming up shortly and as always, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
23 Oct 2025
7:31PM
Shamrock Rovers:
Ed McGinty, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Adam Matthews, Cory O’Sullivan, Connor Malley, Matthew Healy, Dylan Watts, Joshua Honohan, Rory Gaffney, Danny Mandroiu.
Subs: Lee Steacey, Alex Noonan, Lee Grace, Aaron McEneff, Graham Burke, Darragh Nugent, Trevor Clarke, Cian Barrett, Michael Noonan, Max Kovalevskis, John McGovern.
Subs: Luka Kolar, Tiijan Zorko, Damjan Vuklisevic, Gasper Vodeb, Florjan Jevsenak, Milot Avdyli, Papa Daniel, Ivica Vidovic, Matija Boben, Rudi Pozeg Vancas, Matej Poplatnik.
23 Oct 2025
7:38PM
It’s full-time between Shelbourne and Shkendija and it’s a late blow for the visitors as they head home with a 1-0 defeat following a deflected own goal for Paddy Barrett in the 92nd minute.
23 Oct 2025
7:52PM
Shamrock Rovers also met this side last season in the Europa League third qualifying round, ultimately winning 3-2 on aggregate after two legs.
23 Oct 2025
7:57PM
The teams are out on the field in Tallaght Stadium. Before kick-off, let us know how you see this one going.
Ed McGinty gets down in time to palm away an early effort from the Slovenian visitors as Franko Kovacevic gets a shot on target. Celje get a corner from the move but fail to make much from it.
23 Oct 2025
8:07PM
4 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Good ball from Connor Malley to find Adam Matthews along the wing who clips in a delivery but it doesn’t land on a Rovers head. Celje counter quickly, and put the heartrates up for the hosts with a dangerous ball across the area which just misses the foot of Kovacevic.
23 Oct 2025
8:10PM
9 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Another corner for Celje after the ball deflects off Matthews. The ball lands on the head of Kovacevic but it’s rising all the time.
23 Oct 2025
8:12PM
10 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Brilliant from Dylan Watts who controls the ball under pressure and creates some space for himself before releasing a brilliant ball to put Rory Gaffney through. He’s at an awkward angle though and doesn’t have the support as his shot is easily saved.
23 Oct 2025
8:17PM
14 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Celje
POSSIBLE GOAL FOR CELJE
Kovacevic put the ball in off his knee but it’s being checked. And this is a long goal check. There’s a couple of things that could rule it out. He pulled Daniel Cleary’s arm as the cross was coming in and he looked offside as well.
23 Oct 2025
8:17PM
16 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
NO GOAL.
Ruled out by Var.
23 Oct 2025
8:18PM
17 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
It was always unlikely to be verified as a legitimate goal but it was a needlessly long check.
Anyway, the goal was chalked off for that foul on Cleary. And on we go with a Shamrock Rovers corner from Watts.
23 Oct 2025
8:20PM
18 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Big chance there for Rovers but Zan Karnicnik gets his head on the ball to direct it away from danger. It looks like Stephen Bradley’s side have gotten a lot of energy from that disallowed goal.
23 Oct 2025
8:26PM
22 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Another brilliant move from Rovers. It starts with Cory O’Sullivan who finds Danny Mandroiu, and then eventually Matthews. Celje eventually get possession back after winning a free but it’s another sign of Rovers’ intent.
23 Oct 2025
8:29PM
26 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Mandroiu wins the ball back after a poor pass. Rovers try to get the ball away as Mandroiu tries to break free but a challenge comes in and he loses possesion.
23 Oct 2025
8:31PM
29 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Rovers on the move again as a long clearance comes to the boot of Gaffney. He checks back inside and sends the ball across to Watts who tries one from distance. It was worth a go but the shot is blocked away.
Well, there will be no need for VAR this time. The man who put the ball in the net the first time strikes again. And what a strike from Franko Kovacevic. Superb footwork sees him dance inside Cory O’Sullivan and Pico Lopes in the box before drilling the ball into the corner of the net.
McGinty had no chance, and now Rovers are chasing this game.
Things get worse for Stephen Bradley’s side as Celje double their lead. It’s Kovacevic again as he grabs his second of the night. It’s a scrappy goal though. Mario Kvesic sent in a ball to the far post which Lukasz Bejger sends the ball back in towards the goal. Kovacevic then provided the vital touch to chest the ball into the net.
Half-time is approaching as Lopes picks up a yellow card.
23 Oct 2025
8:47PM
Kovacevic’s first goal.
"A moment of magic from the Croatian" 🎙️
Dazzling footwork from Franko Kovačević followed by a perfect finish to hand Celje the lead in Tallaght 🔵 pic.twitter.com/m6vdEYTA7C
It’s an uphill battle for Rovers now. Two goals down at half-time, they looked a bit flat coming into the break.
They’re 2-0 down, but it could have been three if Kovacevic’s first goal was counted. And that would mean he would have a hat-trick at half-time to go with his other goals in the 33rd and 39th minute.
We’re back underway in Tallaght Stadium and Stephen Bradley’s side need a mighty effort to get back into this contest.
No changes for either side.
23 Oct 2025
9:11PM
48 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Brilliant start for Rovers!
Gaffney gets a sniff at goal as he gets a super touch on a ball squared across by Watts. But credit to the Celje keeper who leaps down to palm it away.
Rovers keep the ball and Watts sends in another inviting ball but they fail to get anything from it. But that’s a brilliant reaction from Rovers. They will need more of that.
23 Oct 2025
9:13PM
52 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
More good link play between Watts and Gaffney. It looked like the ball went out off a Celje foot but the officials don’t agree. Rovers put the pressure and force Celje to put the ball out for a throw-in.
23 Oct 2025
9:16PM
54 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Rovers will be forced to make a change as Danny Mandroiu makes way after picking up an injury. He will be replaced by Graham Burke in the next break of play.
23 Oct 2025
9:19PM
58 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
SAVE!
McGinty does brilliantly to keep out a powerful shot from Juanjo Nieto inside the edge of the box. Maybe that will spur Rovers on.
Rovers make another change: Lee Grace is on for Matthews.
23 Oct 2025
9:24PM
63 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Dangerous cross from Honohan but there’s no-one in a hooped shirt there to help the ball into the net.
Rovers are still fighting and hassling but that final product still eludes them.
23 Oct 2025
9:28PM
65 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Honohan loops the ball in again but Zan-Luk Leban reaches out and parries the ball clear. If Rovers keep knocking on the door like this, a goal is bound to materialise.
23 Oct 2025
9:30PM
69 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Lopes blocks a shot from outside the area as Rovers make another change. Aaron McEneff comes in for Conor Malley.
23 Oct 2025
9:31PM
70 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Gaffney puts a ball through for Burke. He brings the ball down the channel and his attempted cross goes out for a corner. It’s the first corner of the second half.
23 Oct 2025
9:33PM
72 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Honohan fails to get contact on the delivery as the ball goes out over the other side of the area. Healy then drops the ball into the box but it’s easily gathered by the keeper.
Into the last 20 minutes of normal time.
23 Oct 2025
9:35PM
73 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Celje then get a corner which comes to Zan Karnicnik outside the box. He tries one from distance but it sails well over.
23 Oct 2025
9:37PM
75 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
SO CLOSE!
Lopes almost scores a sensational goal from a flick. Lee Grace followed it up but Celje manage to get it out of danger. Another massive moment. Rovers certainly deserve a goal at this stage.
23 Oct 2025
9:41PM
80 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Lopes intercepts a clearance and the move ends with Watts trying to send Grace through but Karnicnik spots the danger and smothers the pass. Aaron McEneff then gets booked for a challenge on Milot Avdyl as he was trying to launch a quick counter.
23 Oct 2025
9:43PM
82 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Rovers fans are not happy with the referee after a challenge on Matthew Healy goes unpunished.
Rovers make two changes. John McGovern comes in for Watts while Rory Gaffney is replaced by Michael Noonan.
23 Oct 2025
9:46PM
84 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Healy has a pop from well outside the box but it was never on target. Time is running out for Rovers to get something here.
23 Oct 2025
9:49PM
87 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
ANOTHER ROVERS CHANCE!
They just cannot get the ball in the net. Cory O’Sullivan does well to bring the ball in along the edge, squares it and a mad scramble follows. But Rovers just can’t finish the chance.
23 Oct 2025
9:50PM
89 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Noonan the latest to take on the shot. It’s not a bad effort, and there’s loads of power in the shot. But it’s off target and they come away empty handed again.
They produced a spirited effort in the second half but failed to get a goal, losing 2-0 to Celje.
The Slovenian visitors did the damage in the first half with both goals coming from Franko Kovacevic.
Rovers won’t have long to dwell on this because they have a Premier Division title to chase down when they face Derry on Sunday. A point will secure the title for Stephen Bradley’s side.
And then next up in the Conference League is a trip to AEK Athens on 6 November before the FAI Cup final against Cork City on 9 November.
23 Oct 2025
10:03PM
Well, that’s all from us, folks.
Thank you for being with us this evening and stay tuned for the live match report from David Sneyd.
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As it happened: Shamrock Rovers lose out 2-0 to Celje in Uefa Conference League
Good evening and welcome along to our live coverage of the clash between Shamrock Rovers and Celje in the Uefa Conference League.
If you haven’t been following our liveblog from the other Uefa Conference League fixture, it’s currently Shkendija 0-0 Shelbourne in the second half.
But our business is in Tallaght Stadium here and Shamrock Rovers’ ongoing quest to reach the knockout phase of the competition. Following a 4-1 defeat away to Sparta Prague, the Premier Division champions-elect are hosting Slovenian league leaders Celje tonight.
Kick-off is at 8pm and we’ll be bringing you through all the action. Team line-ups will be coming up shortly and as always, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Shamrock Rovers:
Ed McGinty, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Adam Matthews, Cory O’Sullivan, Connor Malley, Matthew Healy, Dylan Watts, Joshua Honohan, Rory Gaffney, Danny Mandroiu.
Subs: Lee Steacey, Alex Noonan, Lee Grace, Aaron McEneff, Graham Burke, Darragh Nugent, Trevor Clarke, Cian Barrett, Michael Noonan, Max Kovalevskis, John McGovern.
NK Celje:
Zan-Luk Leban, Zan Karnicnik, Juanjo Nieto, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Lukasz Bejger, Darko Hrka, Mario Kvesic, Vitaliy Lisakovich, Danijel Sturm, Nikita Iosifov, Franko Kovacevic.
Subs: Luka Kolar, Tiijan Zorko, Damjan Vuklisevic, Gasper Vodeb, Florjan Jevsenak, Milot Avdyli, Papa Daniel, Ivica Vidovic, Matija Boben, Rudi Pozeg Vancas, Matej Poplatnik.
It’s full-time between Shelbourne and Shkendija and it’s a late blow for the visitors as they head home with a 1-0 defeat following a deflected own goal for Paddy Barrett in the 92nd minute.
Shamrock Rovers also met this side last season in the Europa League third qualifying round, ultimately winning 3-2 on aggregate after two legs.
The teams are out on the field in Tallaght Stadium. Before kick-off, let us know how you see this one going.
Poll Results:
Kick-Off! Shamrock Rovers v Celje
1 min: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Celje in possession to start us off.
2 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
SAVE!
Ed McGinty gets down in time to palm away an early effort from the Slovenian visitors as Franko Kovacevic gets a shot on target. Celje get a corner from the move but fail to make much from it.
4 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Good ball from Connor Malley to find Adam Matthews along the wing who clips in a delivery but it doesn’t land on a Rovers head. Celje counter quickly, and put the heartrates up for the hosts with a dangerous ball across the area which just misses the foot of Kovacevic.
9 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Another corner for Celje after the ball deflects off Matthews. The ball lands on the head of Kovacevic but it’s rising all the time.
10 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Brilliant from Dylan Watts who controls the ball under pressure and creates some space for himself before releasing a brilliant ball to put Rory Gaffney through. He’s at an awkward angle though and doesn’t have the support as his shot is easily saved.
14 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Celje
POSSIBLE GOAL FOR CELJE
Kovacevic put the ball in off his knee but it’s being checked. And this is a long goal check. There’s a couple of things that could rule it out. He pulled Daniel Cleary’s arm as the cross was coming in and he looked offside as well.
16 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
NO GOAL.
Ruled out by Var.
17 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
It was always unlikely to be verified as a legitimate goal but it was a needlessly long check.
Anyway, the goal was chalked off for that foul on Cleary. And on we go with a Shamrock Rovers corner from Watts.
18 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Big chance there for Rovers but Zan Karnicnik gets his head on the ball to direct it away from danger. It looks like Stephen Bradley’s side have gotten a lot of energy from that disallowed goal.
22 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Another brilliant move from Rovers. It starts with Cory O’Sullivan who finds Danny Mandroiu, and then eventually Matthews. Celje eventually get possession back after winning a free but it’s another sign of Rovers’ intent.
26 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Mandroiu wins the ball back after a poor pass. Rovers try to get the ball away as Mandroiu tries to break free but a challenge comes in and he loses possesion.
29 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Celje
Rovers on the move again as a long clearance comes to the boot of Gaffney. He checks back inside and sends the ball across to Watts who tries one from distance. It was worth a go but the shot is blocked away.
GOAL! Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Celje (Franko Kovacevic ’33)
33 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Celje
Well, there will be no need for VAR this time. The man who put the ball in the net the first time strikes again. And what a strike from Franko Kovacevic. Superb footwork sees him dance inside Cory O’Sullivan and Pico Lopes in the box before drilling the ball into the corner of the net.
McGinty had no chance, and now Rovers are chasing this game.
GOAL! Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje (Kovacevic ’39)
44 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Things get worse for Stephen Bradley’s side as Celje double their lead. It’s Kovacevic again as he grabs his second of the night. It’s a scrappy goal though. Mario Kvesic sent in a ball to the far post which Lukasz Bejger sends the ball back in towards the goal. Kovacevic then provided the vital touch to chest the ball into the net.
Half-time is approaching as Lopes picks up a yellow card.
Kovacevic’s first goal.
45 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Four minutes of added time to be played.
46 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Josh Honohan also joins Lopes in the book.
Half-Time! Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
It’s an uphill battle for Rovers now. Two goals down at half-time, they looked a bit flat coming into the break.
They’re 2-0 down, but it could have been three if Kovacevic’s first goal was counted. And that would mean he would have a hat-trick at half-time to go with his other goals in the 33rd and 39th minute.
Second half: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
45 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
We’re back underway in Tallaght Stadium and Stephen Bradley’s side need a mighty effort to get back into this contest.
No changes for either side.
48 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Brilliant start for Rovers!
Gaffney gets a sniff at goal as he gets a super touch on a ball squared across by Watts. But credit to the Celje keeper who leaps down to palm it away.
Rovers keep the ball and Watts sends in another inviting ball but they fail to get anything from it. But that’s a brilliant reaction from Rovers. They will need more of that.
52 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
More good link play between Watts and Gaffney. It looked like the ball went out off a Celje foot but the officials don’t agree. Rovers put the pressure and force Celje to put the ball out for a throw-in.
54 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Rovers will be forced to make a change as Danny Mandroiu makes way after picking up an injury. He will be replaced by Graham Burke in the next break of play.
58 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
SAVE!
McGinty does brilliantly to keep out a powerful shot from Juanjo Nieto inside the edge of the box. Maybe that will spur Rovers on.
Rovers make another change: Lee Grace is on for Matthews.
63 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Dangerous cross from Honohan but there’s no-one in a hooped shirt there to help the ball into the net.
Rovers are still fighting and hassling but that final product still eludes them.
65 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Honohan loops the ball in again but Zan-Luk Leban reaches out and parries the ball clear. If Rovers keep knocking on the door like this, a goal is bound to materialise.
69 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Lopes blocks a shot from outside the area as Rovers make another change. Aaron McEneff comes in for Conor Malley.
70 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Gaffney puts a ball through for Burke. He brings the ball down the channel and his attempted cross goes out for a corner. It’s the first corner of the second half.
72 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Honohan fails to get contact on the delivery as the ball goes out over the other side of the area. Healy then drops the ball into the box but it’s easily gathered by the keeper.
Into the last 20 minutes of normal time.
73 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Celje then get a corner which comes to Zan Karnicnik outside the box. He tries one from distance but it sails well over.
75 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
SO CLOSE!
Lopes almost scores a sensational goal from a flick. Lee Grace followed it up but Celje manage to get it out of danger. Another massive moment. Rovers certainly deserve a goal at this stage.
80 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Lopes intercepts a clearance and the move ends with Watts trying to send Grace through but Karnicnik spots the danger and smothers the pass. Aaron McEneff then gets booked for a challenge on Milot Avdyl as he was trying to launch a quick counter.
82 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Rovers fans are not happy with the referee after a challenge on Matthew Healy goes unpunished.
Rovers make two changes. John McGovern comes in for Watts while Rory Gaffney is replaced by Michael Noonan.
84 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Healy has a pop from well outside the box but it was never on target. Time is running out for Rovers to get something here.
87 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
ANOTHER ROVERS CHANCE!
They just cannot get the ball in the net. Cory O’Sullivan does well to bring the ball in along the edge, squares it and a mad scramble follows. But Rovers just can’t finish the chance.
89 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Noonan the latest to take on the shot. It’s not a bad effort, and there’s loads of power in the shot. But it’s off target and they come away empty handed again.
90 mins: Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Three minutes of added time announced.
Full-Time! Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Shamrock Rovers 0-2 Celje
Well, that’s that!
They produced a spirited effort in the second half but failed to get a goal, losing 2-0 to Celje.
The Slovenian visitors did the damage in the first half with both goals coming from Franko Kovacevic.
Rovers won’t have long to dwell on this because they have a Premier Division title to chase down when they face Derry on Sunday. A point will secure the title for Stephen Bradley’s side.
And then next up in the Conference League is a trip to AEK Athens on 6 November before the FAI Cup final against Cork City on 9 November.
Well, that’s all from us, folks.
Thank you for being with us this evening and stay tuned for the live match report from David Sneyd.
Until next time, good luck!
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