And so it has come to this for Dundalk.
A win away to Maccabi Tel-Aviv in their final Europa League Group D game this evening may or may not send the Premier Division champions through to the last 32.
If table-toppers Zenit St Petersburg beat AZ Alkmaar in the group's other game, then a win or a score draw would be enough to see Stephen Kenny's side advance.
For Dundalk's David McMillan, the focus is very much on winning the game in Israel.
"It's a good mindset to have and it's a mindset that has served us well in most of European games so far, particularly away from home," he told RTÉ Sport.
"It's a great challenge to come here - at least everything is still to play for. We're hopeful of getting the win and if Zenit can do us a favour, then all the better.
"To go through would be an incredible achievement in what has been a fantastic year"
"Zenit are the highest ranked side at the moment. They've shown that in this group by winning every game.
"Hopefully they won't take the foot off the gas against AZ Alkmaar.
"We have to focus on ourselves and try and get the win even though we might get through with a score draw. Either way, we have to score and our focus is on winning the game."
Despite Dundalk's long season, McMillan is hopeful that the side can have one more magical night in 2016.
"We started back in January for pre-season and we'll be back again next month but to progress to the last 32 here is beyond our expectations," he revealed.
"That doesn't mean we give less - we have to try and win it.
"There is no reason to be fearful. To go through would be an incredible achievement in what has been a fantastic year."
