Shamrock Rovers took control early with two goals in the first 36 minutes to beat FC Ararat-Armenia 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. The Irish side built a commanding lead and then withstood a second-half fightback from the Armenian visitors.
Matthew Healy opened the scoring in the 11th minute from an Aaron Greene assist, and Greene doubled the lead in the 36th minute after Jack Byrne set him up. Sandro Lima pulled one back for Ararat-Armenia in the 73rd minute, but Rovers held on for the win.
The home side’s early efficiency proved decisive, as they scored twice from four shots on target — though the overall stats are unavailable. Four yellow cards were shown, with José Junior Bueno, Roberto Lopes, Bruno Wilson and Carlos França all booked in a tense second half.
