The draw for the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League today drew two Luxembourg teams against two League of Ireland teams.
Shamrock Rovers of Dublin will play against F.C. Progès Niederkorn, with the first leg at the Stade Municipal in Oberkorn in Luxembourg on Tuesday 30 June at 18:00, and UCD will play against F91 Dudelange, with the second leg at the Stade Jos Nosbaum in Dudelange in Luxembourg on Thursday 9 July at 18:00.
Shamrock Rovers won the League of Ireland title 17 times and thus have a long history in European competition. Throughout their European participation Shamrock Rovers have only once played in Luxembourg. This was back in 1966-1967 where they beat CA Spora Luxembourg (now part of RFCUL) by 4-1 (home and away) in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
UCD qualified for the Europa League after Ireland was granted an extra place after finishing third in UEFA’s 2014-15 Fair Play table. This will be UCD’s third time to compete in Europe having previously competed in Europe twice before, however this will be their first time competing in the UEFA Europa League.
Progrès Niederkorn won the Luxembourg Cup 4 times and three times they were top of the domestic league. This is Progrès Niederkorn's 6th European qualification since its foundation in 1919. Their last appearance at European level was back in 1982–83, so this year's qualification is considered as their great comeback.
F91 Dudelange qualified for the Europa League after finishing 3rd in Luxembourg's league in the 2014-2015 season. The club which was formed in 1991 from the clubs Alliance Dudelange, Stade Dudelange and US Dudelange, has a good history in European competition. Since its foundation they won the Luxembourg National Division title 11 times. It is the first time in their European participation that they face an Irish opponent.
