Shamrock Rovers vs Santa Clara: UEFA Europa Conference League 2025 Second Leg Preview

On Thursday, 28th August 2025, Shamrock Rovers face Portuguese side Santa Clara in a crucial UEFA Europa Conference League playoff second-leg tie at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. UK time. Although this encounter will not be televised live in the UK, it will be available via LOI TV, accessible primarily in Ireland as a geo-restricted streaming service, offering fans the chance to watch the match online.

The broadcast will feature seasoned sports commentators Con Murphy as the main commentator, accompanied by co-commentator Barry Murphy. Both are well-established broadcasters in Irish football coverage. Con Murphy is widely recognised for his clear and engaging commentary style across Republic of Ireland domestic and international fixtures, while Barry Murphy, a former professional defender, adds expert tactical insight drawn from his playing experience.

Match Context and Significance

Shamrock Rovers enter this fixture on the back foot after securing a 2-1 away victory in the first leg on Portuguese soil at Estádio de São Miguel. The Irish club produced a resilient performance to overturn the early Santa Clara lead, thanks to goals from Dylan Grant and Danny Mandroiu, the latter formerly of Lincoln City. This advantage gives Shamrock Rovers a strong chance of progressing to the Conference League group stage, a feat they last achieved the previous season. However, they face solid opposition as Santa Clara aim to overturn the deficit on home turf.

The tie is finely balanced, adding drama and intensity to the match day atmosphere at Tallaght, which is expected to be vibrant and electric, with high demand for tickets already reported. Fans are urged to secure their places promptly to experience this pivotal European night first-hand.

How to Follow the Match

For viewers in the UK looking to catch the action live, LOI TV represents the sole legal option, although it is a subscription-based service and geo-restricted. Unfortunately, neither traditional UK broadcasters such as ITV, BBC, or Sky Sports nor streaming platforms in the UK or US have acquired rights to televise or stream this particular play-off game. Club and football news outlets like Shamrock Rovers Official Site and The Stats Zone provide match previews, updates, and post-match analyses for fans seeking in-depth coverage.

In addition, the match can be followed live via interactive live score and statistics platforms such as Sofascore, which provide real-time updates on scoreline, possession, shots, and other key metrics, ideal for those unable to watch the live stream.

Commentators: Con Murphy and Barry Murphy

Con Murphy is a respected voice in Irish football, known for his smooth delivery and insightful commentary on major League of Ireland fixtures and European matches involving Irish clubs. Over the years, he has built a reputation for balancing enthusiastic descriptions with calm analysis, making matches accessible to both casual and dedicated football fans.

Barry Murphy, having enjoyed a professional football career as a defender with clubs including Shamrock Rovers and Waterford United, has transitioned successfully into broadcasting. His expert knowledge lends colour and context to the match commentary, enriching the viewer experience with tactical observations and player insights. Together, their partnership on LOI TV aims to bring this high-stakes match vividly to life for viewers tuning in.

About the Teams

Shamrock Rovers are one of Ireland’s most successful football clubs, with a storied history domestically and increasing recognition at the European level. The club’s progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League last season demonstrated their growing ambition on the continental stage.

Santa Clara, hailing from Portugal’s Azores, compete in the Primeira Liga and are no strangers to European competition. Their open playing style promises an exciting match-up against the disciplined Rovers squad.

Summary of Key Match Information

Supporters can look forward to an engaging contest with Shamrock Rovers aiming to capitalise on their first leg advantage and secure a historic place in the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage once again.