Nights you dream: Stewart recalls confrontation against Estrela
According to Sports.
Context
Alfie Stewart, who has faced Red Star in the past, brings a valuable perspective to Larne. His experience could be crucial in guiding the team at such an important time, especially considering the pressure of playing against a club with such a rich Champions League history. The connection between past and present can inspire players to exceed expectations.
Why this matters
The clash between Larne and Red Star is significant not only for the Irish League team but also for the history of European football. The memory of Portadown facing the giants in 1991 highlights the magnitude of the challenge Larne are about to face in the Champions League. This game could impact Larne's morale and confidence throughout the season, especially if they get a good result at home.
Main conclusions
- Nights you dream about: Stewart remembers the confrontation against Estrela.
- Alfie Stewart recalls what it was like facing Red Star, one of the giants of European football, as Larne prepares for the Champions League challenge.
- 'Nights you dream of' - Stewart recalls facing Red Star.
When Larne take to the pitch at Inver Park to face Red Star in the first match of the Champions League second qualifying round, they will follow in the footsteps of another Irish League club who faced the European giants 35 years ago. Red Star, beginning the defense of the European Cup title they won the previous season, defeated then Irish League champions Portadown 8-0 on aggregate in the autumn of 1991.
The first game was held in Szeged, Hungary, due to the deteriorating security situation in what was then Yugoslavia, and Portadown lost 4–0. The second game, held at Shamrock Park, ended with the same score. The European Cup preceded the Champions League as the main club competition on the continent and featured only the champions of the participating countries in an open draw.
The Portadown team that celebrated back-to-back league titles in 1990 and 1991 included goalkeeper Mickey Keenan, defender Philip Major, midfielders Martin Russell and Paul Doolin, plus renowned Scottish attacking duo Stevie Cowan and Sandy Fraser. The defensive partnership between Alfie Stewart and Brian Strain was also key to the success of the team, which was managed by legendary Irish League manager Ronnie McFall.
In an interview with BBC Sport NI, Stewart recalled the moment he learned his team would face Red Star. "At that time, the only way to find out who you were going to face was to call Ceefax, and that's how I found out," he said. "I almost fainted when I found out it was Red Star, the European champions, but I quickly went into excitement mode as it was a one in a million chance. Going to Yugoslavia, as it was then, before the division of the Balkan States, was something to look forward to."
Stewart had also played in Europe with Glentoran, before experiencing new "special adventures" with Portadown. "Although we were playing on the other side of the border, the Serbs came in large numbers, and they were very noisy and hostile," he explained of the away game in Hungary. "It made the occasion a little more difficult, but it's always great to get into an atmosphere like that as a player. Those are the types of nights you dream of. When you're standing next to these guys who are 6'1" or 6'1", you're facing supreme athletes with pure strength and speed, and that's a challenge.
"People have asked me over the years what it's like to play against these elite players, and the answer is simple - they think faster, they run faster, they are stronger. You are apprehensive, but not afraid, because my attitude was to embrace it. You're in awe of them, but you have a job to do and you don't want to disappoint yourself."
The Portadown defender felt losing by four goals against the best team in Europe was an acceptable result. “We came away at the end of the night having lost 4-0 after conceding two late goals, but we were extremely proud of how we played and rose to the challenge. Sinisa Mihajlovic left Red Star to play most of his career in Italy, with Lazio and Sampdoria. He was something special and scored two free kicks late in the game. When you saw those kicks being taken from 30 yards out, you probably thought you were safe, but this guy has become one of the greatest dead ball specialists the game has ever seen. He really stood out.
The second game at Shamrock Park was a memorable occasion, with 1991 Golden Boot winner Darko Pancev among the scorers for the illustrious visitors. "There was great excitement. It was a tremendous night for the fans, an incredible reward for their support," Stewart reflected. "Having the European champions play at Shamrock Park is something that will never happen again, probably at any Irish League stadium. Darko Pancev, who moved to AC Milan a year later, was scoring lots of goals in the Yugoslav league and moved to Italy, which at that time was the right place to be, just like the Premier League is now. He was a fantastic striker."
Current Irish League champions Larne will host Red Star in the first match of their tie on Tuesday 21st July at 8pm BST, with the second game away on Wednesday 29th July.
What happens next
After the game at Inver Park, Larne will have the opportunity to show their potential in the second match of the qualifying phase. The performance against Red Star could influence the team's planning for the season, especially in terms of domestic competitions and their position in the Irish League. A positive result could increase fans' expectations and support, creating a favorable environment for the next challenges.