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The most powerful Lithuanian club in recent years, Panevėžio "Ekranas", will compete with Ireland's "Shamrock Rovers" in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
In the Irish press release, it is noted that the team from Panevėžys is one of the weakest opponents according to the UEFA coefficient that could have been drawn in the ceremony. "Ekranas" has a UEFA coefficient of 4.875, while "Shamrock Rovers" has 4.475.
Meanwhile, "Ekranas" coach Valdas Urbonas said on the club's website: "The fact that this team played in the group stage of the Europa League last year says a lot. We are facing a strong opponent. In this tournament, expecting a weak team is not worth it and there are no such opponents. We need to properly assess the team. I think we have a chance, but we will have to fight for it."
"Shamrock Rovers" won the Irish championship last season and currently hold the third position in the standings after XIII rounds, trailing the leader "Sligo Rovers" by 5 points.
The first leg of the second qualifying round of the Champions League will take place on July 17 or 18 in Dublin, with the return leg in Panevėžys a week later.
