Every night a Belgian team holds the label of the most beloved of a European game. This will happen in La Gantoise’s second Conference League meeting this Thursday. His opponent? Champion of Ireland: Shamrock Rovers (19) is the record holder of titles.

However, this is only the second time in their history that the Dubliners have reached this stage of a European competition. Blame Kroos’ forced long route due to the Airtricity League’s 40th place in the UEFA rankings. Rovers were also in the Champions League preliminaries before qualifying for the Conference League.

“The last time we were in the group stage was a long time ago (2011) and we don’t want that to happen again.”According to trainer Stephen Bradley, La Gantoise’s European habits are sought after as a model. “This is a very good club in Europe in recent years. You see the level they have played. We want it to be regular for this club. We are on the right track, but we have to keep working to play. Every year in stadiums like this (Gelamco Arena).

Granted, the buffalo knows this kind of evening well. But beware of overconfidence. “I don’t think there’s a weak team in this group, I think it’s perfectly balancedHein Vanhaezebrouck assures. This is a team with technically gifted players. She certainly does not practice ‘rushing’ as before in British formations.