Shamrock Rovers’ dreams of progressing to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League were shattered as 10-man Molde emerged victorious in a 5-4 penalty shootout to move forward after the match ended 1-1 on aggregate following the Norwegians’ 1-0 victory.
Rovers were aiming to make history as the first League of Ireland team to advance to the last 16 of a UEFA competition. However, a blunder in challenging windy conditions led to Magnus Wolff Eikrem scoring an early 10th-minute goal, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1.
Molde were reduced to 10 players after Isak Amundsen received a second yellow card in stoppage time of the second half.
Despite having an extra player, Rovers could not capitalize on the situation and failed to find the crucial goal they needed even after extra time.
The home team conceded a goal due to a mix-up that resulted in no one handling a long ball over the defense, potentially influenced by the windy conditions. The ball bounced dangerously towards Rovers' goalkeeper Edward McGinty, who came out to punch it away, but it fell to Eikrem, who scored the opening goal. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review.
Rovers appealed for a penalty when Aaron McEneff was fouled by Jacob Karlstrom as he advanced towards the goal, but the ball still rolled towards the goal-line, where it was cleared by Martin Linnes.
Despite calls for a VAR review, the referee did not consult the technology and no penalty was awarded.
The hosts protested again when Michael Noonan was brought down under pressure, but their appeals were rejected.
Molde were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Amundsen, who had previously been booked for a foul on Noonan, fouled McEneff and received his second yellow card.
Rovers pushed players forward into Molde's penalty area, earned two early corners in extra time, and saw McGinty make a crucial save from a shot by Molde's substitute Daniel Daga.
Despite having several set-piece opportunities and an extra player advantage, Rovers were unable to score, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
Rovers' substitute Aaron Greene missed his spot-kick, opening the door for Molde, who sealed their place in the last 16 when Eirik Hestad converted the decisive penalty to secure a perfect five out of five.