- Shamrock Rovers will be without defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes after his memorable World Cup run with Cape Verde, meaning he missed the Champions League qualifier while back in Dublin.
- The season’s first Champions League goal came from 41-year-old Nano (Lincoln Red Imps) — a neat talking point about veteran stars stealing the spotlight.
- Early qualifying is playing out in tiny football nations and odd venues — think Gibraltar, San Marino and Belarus “home” games in Hungary with no fans — showing football’s quirky, globe-trotting side.
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