It was a disappointing fortnight for the Welsh clubs in Europe as The New Saints, Pen-y-bont and Haverfordwest County were all knocked out in the first qualifying round.
After a 3-0 defeat in the first leg out in Lithuania, a 1-1 draw was not enough to save Pen-y-bont in the second leg against Kauno Zalgiris.
And despite their competitive performances over the two legs, Haverfordwest County paid the price for a lack of discipline as they lost 5-3 on aggregate against Floriana from Malta, with the Bluebirds finishing the second leg with only nine men on the field.
The New Saints were the seeded team in their tie against KF Shkëndija in the first qualifying round of the Champions League, but it was the Macedonian club that prevailed over two legs.
The New Saints have therefore dropped to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League where they will face the champions of Luxembourg, FC Differdange 03.
The New Saints v FC Differdange 03 (Luxembourg) | Wednesday, 23 July – 18:00 (Live online)
(Park Hall, Oswestry – First Leg of UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Second Qualifying Round)
The New Saints have dropped into the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds after losing 2-1 on aggregate against Macedonian champions KF Shkëndija in the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League.
It was goalless after the first leg at Park Hall, but Shkëndija were the stronger team in the second leg, and although the Saints defended bravely, the winning goal came for the Macedonians in the dying minutes of extra time.
Shkëndija took a deserved lead less than 20 minutes into the second leg, but the Saints leveled the score before the break as Dan Williams’ shot deflected kindly into the path of Jordan Williams who drove the ball into the empty net against the run of play.
The clear cut chances were few and far between during the second half, but Shkëndija pushed forward in extra time and the home team got what they deserved after 116 minutes with the ball coming off the tired leg of Jack Bodenham into his own net.
The Saints therefore fall into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League to face Differdange 03, who come into the tie having lost 4-2 over two legs against Drita from Kosovo.
Differdange were crowned champions of Luxembourg for the second year in a row at the end of last season, and like the Saints, they also won their domestic cup (Luxembourg Cup).
But unlike the Saints, Differdange 03 have never managed to get past the qualifying rounds of an European competition.
Differdange 03 took on Bala Town a decade ago and lost the first leg at Rhyl’s Belle Vue Staduim (2-1), but then triumphed in the second leg to win 4-3 on aggregate.
The New Saints are Wales’ most successful club in Europe as the club from Oswestry has played regularly in Europe since 1996.
Last year the Saints managed to get past the qualifying rounds for the first time ever and competed in the UEFA Conference League where they played against the likes of Panathinaikos and Fiorentina.
The Saints’ last three European games at Park Hall have all ended goalless, but Craig Harrison’s team must make the most of their home advantage as they’ve only won once in 13 away games in Europe.
The second leg will be played at Stade Municipal de la Ville de Differdange on Tuesday, 29th July.
TNS’ European record:
Ties: 51 (W12, L39) / Matches: 92 (W20, D16, L58)
