Bohemians' European dream is over for another season after Rosenborg recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory - 5-0 on aggregate - over Stephen Kenny's side in a one-sided Champions League second round, second leg clash in Trondheim. The Norwegian side will now play Deportivo La Coruna in the next qualifying round.
Trailing by a single goal from the first leg it was always going to be an uphill task for Bohemians, especially after Azar Karadas had the home side ahead on the night on 44 minutes following stiff resistance by the visitors in the opening half.
Rosenborg lived dangerously on 13 minutes when a low cross from Robbie Doyle on the right almost let in Republic of Ireland striker Glen Crowe only for goalkeeper Espen Johnsen to smother the close-range effort. Doyle then tested Johnsen with a speculative 30-yard effort after collecting a loose ball in midfield.
When Bohemians central defender Colin Hawkins took down Roar Strand, Harald Brattbakk's fiercely struck free-kick from 22 yards was brilliantly pushed round the post by Seamus Kelly. Rosenborg then had appeals for a penalty turned down when Bohemians defender Lynch appeared to take down Azar Karadas.
But it was that man Karadas again, scorer of the only goal in the first leg at Dalymount Park last week, who eventually made the breakthrough on 44 minutes. After Doyle had a long-range effort blocked, the ball was swept to the far end of the pitch for Frode Johnsen to swing over a cross from the right for fellow striker Karadas to head home from six yards, giving Kelly no chance.
Rosenborg effectively booked their place in the third round when they grabbed a second goal on 51 minutes when defender Lynch lost possession just inside the opponents' half. In a swift counter-attack Orjan Berg was able to lay off a perfect ball for Brattbakk to rifle home from the edge of the box.
Even the introductions of substitutes Fergal Harkin, Dave Morrison and Paul Keegan could not swing the tie in Bohemians' favour. Their night of misery was added to when Strand fired into the roof of the net from 20 yards after Harkin lost possession in attempting to clear a header out by defender Heary.
Rosenborg's celebrations continued on 75 minutes when a quick free-kick on the right allowed Basma to get in a low cross which totally eluded the Bohemians' defence for Frode Johnsen to shoot home at the far post. And it was only the brilliance of Kelly with two excellent late saves to prevent an even bigger margin of victory by the Norwegians.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
