UCD took a big step towards qualification in the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday night with a 3-0 first-leg win over Icelandic outfit Stjarnan.
The Sky Blues sealed their place among Europe’s elite last season having won the under-17 League of Ireland last season.
And while they had to wait for their European return, having played in the competition in 2017, it was worth every last second of it.
Icelandic champions Stjarnan were their opponents and they were no match for the Belfield Boys on Wednesday evening, succumbing to a 3-0 loss.
FULLTIME | @UEFAYouthLeagueWhat a night
The students take a 3 nil lead to Iceland pic.twitter.com/gfPpt0nCxA
— UCD FC (@UCDAFC) September 18, 2024
First-team player Adam Brennan opened the scoring for UCD in the 22nd minute in front of a healthy crowd at the UCD Bowl.
Laois teenager Roy Lawlor was then on target to double the Students’ advanatge when netting in the 53rd minute.
And Odhran MacLaughlin completed a fine first-leg job when scoring the third with 15 minutes on the clock.
It was the perfect result for Shane Fox’s side who now head to Iceland in a fortnight to try and complete the job on October 2.
Should UCD advance, they will play the winners of the tie between Albanians Bylis and 2 Korriku of Kosovo. Korriku lead the tie 2-1 with a home leg to come.
