A ranking of the worst ways to lose would have a last-minute missed penalty right at the top.
Unfortunately for Arnar Gunnlaugsson, a nightmare scenario became reality as his Vikingur Reykjavik side were on the wrong end of the result against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Tuesday night.
After being awarded a penalty in stoppage time, substitute Nikolaj Hansen stepped up in what would've brought his side to extra-time, but it wasn't to be as his effort struck the post and went wide, much to the home crowd's delight.
SEE ALSO: 'You're Just Praying He Misses It': Bradley Delighted As Shamrock Rovers Survive Late Penalty Drama
Rovers had taken a 2-0 first-half lead but the Icelandic champions sensed blood after Hansen had pulled one back on the hour mark.
Having been reduced to 10 men following Jack Byrne's dismissal in the 78th minute, Rovers began to get edgy and the drama continued right until the final kick of the game.
The Hoops hung on for a lot of the second-half with Vikingur dominating for large periods after the break. Nikolaj Hansen's header after the hour mark gave the Icelandic club a lifeline. But Rovers looked to have done enough until the late penalty. In the end, it was delight for Shamrock Rovers, who advance.
The moment that Shamrock Rovers knew that they were through to the Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round 👏
Amazing full-time scenes at Tallaght Stadium!
Sparta Prague next 🇨🇿#LOIEURO | #SHAVIK pic.twitter.com/4W6VM2GdLq— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 16, 2024
Speaking to LOITV after the match, Gunnlaugsson had no doubt the miss would not effect Hansen with a big season ahead:
He will be disappointed tonight but as in life you need to pick yourself up as the season continues, we have a big season ahead of us trying to win the league again and we're in the cup final and also in the conference league.
Vikingur manager Arnar Gunnlaugsson speaks to #LOITV after an agonising defeat for his side.#LOIEURO | #SHAVIK pic.twitter.com/cbbZUsLmBX
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 16, 2024
The Icelandic coach was full of praise of Rovers attitude over the two legs:
They fought for their lives in the two games, defended for their lives, sometimes it doesn't need to be pretty to win a game of football.
Having cruised to the Icelandic premier league title last season, Vikingurhave their sights set on retaining their title and currently hold a 5 point lead over 2nd placed Valur with games remaining.
Gunnlaugsson was in a positive mood regarding how his team had played throughout the tie:
I think we did pretty well for probably three out of the four halves in the two legs, so you have to be positive as a coach and take the good stuff out of it and if we played ten times over the two legs, you might not lose more than two games.
However, there was a slip of the tongue from Gunnlaugson as he concluded his post match interview, referring to the formation and style of play Rovers had adopted over the two legs:
It was really refreshing playing a proper British side with two strikers and long balls, it's a test we have to deal with better for the future
Rovers will face Sparta Prague in Tallaght next Tuesday, but have the safety net of a Europa League third round clash if they lose to the Czech side over two legs.
