Haveron considers the tie with Red Star a “free kick”
According to Sports.
Context
Larne manager Gary Haveron expressed pride in welcoming a historic club like Red Star to Inver Park. The team, which overcame Tre Fiori, now faces a significant challenge, but Haveron believes the experience could be beneficial to Larne's development as an emerging club on the European football scene.
Why this matters
Larne's passage to the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League is a historic milestone for the club, which had never reached this stage before. The clash with Red Star, a giant of European football, represents a unique opportunity for the Northern Irish team to show its worth on an international stage. This game not only raises Larne's profile but could also have a significant impact on the team's morale and confidence for the rest of the season.
Main conclusions
- Haveron considers the tie with Red Star a “free kick.”
- Gary Haveron says the duel with Red Star is a “free shot”, after Larne reached the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League for the first time by beating Tre Fiori 3-1 on aggregate.
- Gary Haveron remains central to Larne's plans.
Gary Haveron described Larne's next round against Red Star Belgrade, in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, as a “free shot” for the Northern Irish team, highlighting the pride in being able to host a European colossus at Inver Park. Larne secured their place in this stage for the first time in their history by overcoming San Marino's Tre Fiori 3-1 on aggregate, completing the comeback in the second leg, won 2-1 at home.
"I'm extremely proud that we can bring a club like this to our shores, to Northern Ireland, and show what we are. It's a huge draw, they are a historic and huge club," the coach told BBC Sport NI. Haveron classified the confrontation with the Serbs as a “free shot”, remembering that “external expectations are not high”, but guaranteed ambition: “We will try to be as competitive as possible. We will respect them, but try to impose our game and see what we can do. Maybe we won't be shoulder to shoulder with them, but as long as we are on the field we will do everything to get a result.”
The Northern Irish team reached the second leg with a minimal lead from San Marino, thanks to Matty Lusty's goal, but suffered an early scare at Inver Park: Pietro Mengucci leveled the tie in the 11th minute. The Northern Ireland Premiership champions reacted with personality and gained momentum again before half-time, through a well-aimed header from Matt Ridley. In the second half, Dan Bent converted a penalty that sealed the turnaround and the final 2-1, making it 3-1 on both legs. Tre Fiori ended up reduced to nine, after the expulsions of Simone Rea and Tommaso Bernardi, which made it easier to manage the result in the final moments.
Haveron admitted some nervousness about the goal conceded so early, highlighting, however, the group's ability to respond. "I wasn't at all satisfied after we conceded in the 11th minute, after all the effort in San Marino to bring us an advantage. We wanted a strong start and it was anything but that, but the boys showed tremendous character to get back on their feet", he said, stressing that, when half-time was tied, he felt confident that the team would raise their level in the second half to close the tie.
The next chapter will be extremely demanding: Larne host Red Star, who recently participated in the 2024/25 Champions League phase, in the first leg scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at Inver Park. For the club from County Antrim, used to battling on the domestic scene, this is a rare opportunity to measure strength against an opponent of another European dimension and continue to give international visibility to their project. With little to lose and a lot to gain, Larne promises competitiveness and courage against a historic European champion, embracing the challenge with the belief of being able to discuss the tie in front of their fans.
What happens next
Larne are now preparing to face Red Star at home, where the team hopes to be competitive despite external expectations. Gary Haveron emphasized the importance of respecting the opponent, but also of imposing your style of play. The result of this tie could influence Larne's Champions League trajectory and shape their outlook for future competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Larne and Tre Fiori?
Larne beat Tre Fiori 3-1 on aggregate.
How did Larne's victory impact the Champions League table?
Larne's victory guaranteed their presence in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
When is Larne's next game against Estre
la Vermelha?
Larne's next game will be against Red Star Belgrade in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, but the exact date was not mentioned.
Who scored the goals for Larne in the tie against Tre Fiori?
Matty Lusty and Matt Ridley scored goals for Larne in the tie against Tre Fiori.
What did Gary Haveron say about the clash with Red Star?
Gary Haveron described the clash with Red Star as a 'free kick' and expressed pride at hosting a historic club in Northern Ireland.