Cliftonville Exits UEFA Conference League After Dramatic Extra-Time Loss

In a thrilling encounter, Cliftonville FC was eliminated from the UEFA Conference League following a 5-4 aggregate defeat to Gibraltarian side St Joseph's after extra time. The match, held on July 17, 2025, at Solitude Stadium, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as Cliftonville fought valiantly despite being reduced to ten men.

The first leg, played in Gibraltar, had ended in a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg. St Joseph's struck early, with Pablo Rodríguez scoring within the first minute, putting the visitors ahead in the tie. However, Cliftonville responded well, with Michael Glynn equalizing in the 31st minute through a low drive into the corner of the net, assisted by Rory Hale. The Reds went into halftime level at 1-1, despite being on the back foot after Odhran Casey received a second yellow card in the 61st minute, reducing Cliftonville to ten players.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Cliftonville took the lead in the match through Joe Gormley, who scored with an impressive overhead kick in the 66th minute. This lead was short-lived, as St Joseph's captain Juanma equalized just three minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, bringing the score to 2-2.

As the match progressed into extra time, Cliftonville’s fatigue began to show. In the 92nd minute, St Joseph's substitute Hugo Jesslen scored the decisive goal. A cross from the left found Jesslen, who redirected it past Cliftonville's goalkeeper Lewis Ridd, sealing the victory for St Joseph's and ensuring their progression to the next round against Shamrock Rovers.

This match highlighted the resilience of both teams, with Cliftonville displaying commendable spirit despite their numerical disadvantage. Manager Jim Magilton praised his players for their effort, stating, "We fought hard and showed great character. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough in the end."

St Joseph's manager Abraham Paz expressed pride in his squad's performance, particularly noting the effectiveness of their tactical adjustments following Cliftonville's lead. "We knew we had to adapt after going a goal down, and the team executed our game plan perfectly to secure the win," he commented.

This elimination marks an early exit for Cliftonville in the UEFA Conference League, raising questions about their future performance in both domestic and international competitions. As St Joseph's moves on, Cliftonville will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures in the Northern Irish Premiership.

Cliftonville's journey in the UEFA Conference League may have ended, but their determination and fighting spirit will undoubtedly serve them well in the remainder of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they respond to this setback as they aim to bounce back stronger.