Shelbourne set up glamour Ajax tie after Estonia job done

Ajax awaits Shelbourne

John Russell’s Reds lost 2-1 away to 10-man Nõmme Kalju on Thursday but progressed 6-4 on aggregate, as The 42 reported.

The Dublin side’s five-goal haul at home in Drumcondra last week proved decisive, giving them a cushion big enough to absorb Thursday’s setback.

The result banked at least another €900,000 in UEFA prize money. Ajax, four-time European champions, booked their place by beating Vojvodina of Serbia 8-2 on aggregate, winning 4-1 on the night.

What’s next for Shelbourne in Europe

The third qualifying round away leg takes place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam next Thursday, 6 August, with the return at Tolka Park on 13 August.

As The Journal noted, a 14th-minute goal helped keep the Estonians at arm’s length despite a poor second-half display.

Russell’s players were made to work in Pärnu, but a fast start and their handsome first-leg advantage were enough to see them through.

It caps a memorable European run for the League of Ireland side.

For more on the Reds and the other Irish clubs in Europe, see our latest Irish sport coverage.