Robbie Keane's Europa League journey with Ferencvaros came to a shuddering halt as the Hungarian champions suffered a 4-0 defeat to Portuguese side Braga to exit at the last-16 stage.
A 2-0 first-leg lead put Ferencvaros in a healthy position ahead of the away return leg, but the hosts levelled the tie in the opening 15 minutes and effectively wrapped up the tie before the interval.
Ricorda Horta opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before an error from goalkeeper Florian Grillitsch shortly after had the Portuguese side back on level terms on aggregate.
Gabri Martinez joined the goalscoring act before Horta wrapped matters up to ensure a 4-0 interval lead and a comfortable second half for the Portuguese side.
Republic of Ireland international Callum O’Dowda, who is expected to be named in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for next week’s European World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia, played the full 90 minutes at Estadio Municipal de Braga
Keane, who led the club to a domestic title last season and 12th place overall on the group phase of the Europa League, was philosophical afterwards on the journey of his team.
"I just told the players and the staff, I thanked them for what they have done to now in this competition because nobody, nobody thought we would be sitting here", he said.
"We overachieved in the first game, and I can only commend the players for their attitude and everything they have done well.
"It has been an incredible journey and that is why I am not upset at all. I told the guys, walk out of here with your head held high and your chest out, because I will. It was a good journey and it has given everyone around the world, everyone involved in UEFA, has given us so much respect. This is a big, big thing I will take."
