Dundalk welcomed BATE Borisov to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night knowing that they would have to defeat the Belarusians to have any hope of qualifying for the next stage of Champions League qualification (and cement a place in next year's Europa League at the very least).
While the Lilywhites got off to a bit of a slow start, they grabbed a huge goal just before half-time thanks to some great work from winger Daryl Horgan. Dundalk's #7 has drawn comparisons to Damien Duff for his exceptional play from the wing (albeit with a dominant right foot), and sure enough he confused the BATE defence before floating in a delightful ball for Dave McMillan.
And then McMillan did what McMillan does.
44: GOAL!
Dundalk 1-0 BATE (Agg:1-1). What a cross from Horgan and header from McMillan! #LOIinEurope #DUNvBATE https://t.co/vY7iBD3efE— eir Sport (@eirSport) August 2, 2016
Knowing that the job was not yet done, Dundalk came out flying in the second half and bagged an absolutely huge goal to take a 2-1 aggregate lead, again it was that man McMillan.
59: GOAL!
Dundalk 2-0 BATE (Agg:2-1) .@DundalkFC are in dreamland! David McMillan again! #LOIinEurope #DUNvBATE https://t.co/SPKBwFq5Qi— eir Sport (@eirSport) August 2, 2016
That goal put David McMillan out in front as the top scorer for League of Ireland clubs in the Champions League with six.
But they weren't done there. The result was cemented in style by Robbie Benson.
90: GOOOAAAALLL!
Dundalk 3-0 BATE (Agg: 3-1). What a finish from Benson! What a night for @DundalkFC! #LOIinEurope https://t.co/Mnbe5WgM4A— eir Sport (@eirSport) August 2, 2016
What a result. What a performance. What a night!
Congratulations to Dundalk, now we wait and see who they face in the playoffs.
