Dundalk knocked out of Champions League after extra-time defeat to Rosenborg

Posted Thursday, July 20, 2017 by PA

Dundalk bowed out of the Champions League at the second qualifying round stage following a 2-1 defeat to Rosenborg after extra-time in Trondheim.

The League of Ireland champions, who had drawn 1-1 at home, made a stunning start when Brian Gartland headed them in front with just 12 minutes gone in the second leg.

Gartland's effort put the visitors 2-1 ahead on aggregate and raised hopes of a potential clash with Celtic at the next stage.

But Rosenborg responded by piling on the pressure and deserved their equaliser five minutes before the break when Yann-Erik de Lanlay slotted past Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers.

The home side had the better of the second-half action and former Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner missed a fine opportunity to put his side in front.

Rosenborg grabbed the second goal they deserved eight minutes into extra-time when Dundalk failed to clear their lines and Matthias Vilhjalmsson headed home for a 3-2 aggregate lead.

Dundalk's last hope of progressing from the tie was ended when substitute Ciaran Kilduff saw his late effort superbly saved by home keeper Andre Hansen.