Airtricity League Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers suffered an early exit from the Champions League as they were defeated 2-1 by Lithuanian side Ekranas at the Aukstaitija Stadium in Panevezys.
Both sides had played out a scoreless draw in the first leg of last week’s second round qualifier at Tallaght Stadium, but Marko Andjelkovic’s opener in first-half stoppage time and Zilvinas Kymantas’ second-half strike paved the way for Valdas Urbonas’ side’s progression.
Gary McCabe grabbed a late consolation from the penalty spot for Rovers.
A scrappy first half took all of 21 minutes to spark into life, with Shamrock Rovers keeper Oskar Jansson denying Vytautas Luksa as he hurtled towards goal.
Rovers’ first-half concession came deep into stoppage time as Andjelkovic beat Jansson with a low headed effort.
At that juncture, an equaliser still would have been enough to see Rovers advance to the next round, and after the restart Stephen Kenny’s men spurned a great chance.
McCabe’s inviting cross feel into the path of Billy Dennehy, but his effort left much to be desired.
Ekranas went on to dominate the second half, with the home side claiming a second on 63 minutes.
Kymantas surged forward past a docile Rovers defence, before unleashing a shot from outside the area which proved too good for Jansson.
The home side should have added a third, but the Rovers keeper once again displayed his aptitude for one-on-one situations and palmed the ball away.
McCabe’s injury-time penalty equaliser flattered the visitors as they tamely exited Europe’s premier club competition.
