The New Saints crash out of the Champions League after home defeat
TNS were beaten 2-1 (4-1 AGG) by Sabah from Azerbaijan.
The New Saints’ UEFA Champions League dream is over after they crashed out in the first qualifying round.
The Saints suffered a 2-1 defeat to Azerbaijani Premier champions Sabah at Park Hall, losing 4-1 on aggregate across the two legs.
Craig Harrison’s side already faced an uphill battle after last week’s defeat in Masazir, just north of Baku, and needed a fast start to keep their hopes alive.
Instead, two first-half goals from the visitors all but ended the tie.
Knowing how crucial the opening goal would be, TNS made a bright start, just as Harrison had demanded.
Jordan Williams forced an early save with a header as the hosts looked to apply early pressure.
However, Sabah soon settled and posed a threat going forward, with Rwanda international Joy-Lance Mickels and France youth international Aaron Malouda catching the eye.
The pair combined to break the deadlock midway through the first half, as Mickels converted Malouda’s low cross to put the visitors firmly in control.
Defender Rahman Dashdamirov then doubled Sabah’s lead moments before the interval, producing an excellent finish from a corner.
From there, the task proved beyond TNS. However, the home supporters had something to cheer about in the closing moments as substitute Josh Lock fired home a consolation goal.
The Saints bow out of Europe’s premier club competition but remain in continental action. They now drop into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, where they will face another side eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers.
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