Shamrock Rovers lose 2-0 to Floriana in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first-round qualifying tie in Malta. The match is played at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali, and Shamrock Rovers enter the game with a European path to progress but fail to overturn the deficit in the opening encounter. Multiple reports describe the defeat as a difficult night for Rovers, including a dismissal that leaves them playing with 10 men during the contest. Floriana’s result puts them in a strong position, establishing a two-goal advantage that Shamrock Rovers must overturn in the second leg. RTE reports that Shamrock Rovers need to reverse the two-goal deficit if they are to reach the next stage of the competition this year. The42 notes that Rovers face “it all to do” in the return match against Floriana, which is scheduled for next Tuesday, following the first-leg setback in Malta.