Cork City’s run in Europe has come to an end as they were defeated 3-0 by Rosenborg in the second leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier in Trondheim on Thursday night. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, City knew they faced a monumental ta
Cork City’s run in Europe has come to an end as they were defeated 3-0 by Rosenborg in the second leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier in Trondheim on Thursday night.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, City knew they faced a monumental task if they were to progress to the playoff round of the competition. But similar to the match at Turner’s Cross, John Caulfield’s side started brightly but failed to score while they were on top.
Jimmy Keohane tested the Rosenborg keeper with a shot from distance in the opening exchanges before Conor McCormack wildly sliced an ambitious effort wide of the target. The Norwegian champions grew into the game and they punished their opponents as they opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Besim Serbecic.
The defender was on hand to turn the ball home from close range after City keeper Mark McNulty parried Mike Jensen’s inswinging cross into his path. And Rosenborg doubled their lead on the night in the 34th minute when Anders Trondsen raced onto a pass over the top before unselfishly rolling the ball to Alexander Soderlund, who couldn't miss from a few yards.
The second half was all about pride for Cork City and they almost reduced the deficit shortly after the restart but Kieran Sadlier was unfortunate to see his long free bounce against the left post.
Things soon got worse for the Irish Double winners as Rosenborg added a third following a clever move to make it 5-0 on aggregate. Meling’s pass was dummied by Trondsen and after Soderlund turned the ball into the latter’s path, he expertly drilled it through McNulty’s legs.
City continued to press for their first goal in Europe this season as the match edged to a close and they were inches away from getting it but Garry Buckley’s curler crashed against the bar before Keohane’s rebound was well saved.
