Larne FC's Europa League playoff dreams face a major hurdle after a goalless draw with Saburtalo at Inver Park. The Northern Irish side must now travel to Georgia and secure a vital win to advance to the next round, where a potential clash with Rangers awaits.
What happened in the first leg?
Larne and Saburtalo battled to a stalemate in Northern Ireland, with both sides failing to find the net. The draw leaves everything to play for in the return leg in Tbilisi, where Larne will need to overcome a tough Georgian side to keep their European ambitions alive.
Why it matters for Larne
A win in Georgia would see Larne progress to the Europa League playoff round, where they could face Rangers. The Glasgow giants are a formidable opponent, but Larne have shown they can compete at this level, having secured three Irish Premiership titles in the past four seasons.
What comes next?
Larne now turn their attention to the away leg in Georgia. A win would secure their place in the playoff round, where they could face Rangers. Meanwhile, Larne's next domestic fixture is against Crusaders FC at home on December 12, 2026, with the team currently sitting in 6th place in the table.
Key players to watch
Larne boast Scottish talent in their ranks, including former Airdrie goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson and striker Kevin O'Hara, who recently departed Hamilton Accies. Both players featured in the first leg and will be crucial to Larne's chances in the return leg.
