Linfield lose to Rosenborg in Champions League

Linfield suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rosenborg in the first leg of the first round of Champions League qualifying.

In driving rain at Windsor Park, the visitors scored in either half to take full control of the tie with a pair of crucial away goals.

The defeat means David Healy's side are likely to end up in the Europa League, taking on HB Torshavn.

The odds were always stacked against the Blues, so Niall Quinn's early header over the bar was an encouraging sign, before Rosenborg settled and had a crack through Tore Reginiussen.

The centre-back pressed into the opposition half before unleashing a 13th minute drive from distance which needed a fingertip save from Alex Deane to turn it into the post.

It was an early warning sign, and the quality of the visitors shone through in the 22nd minute when captain Mike Jensen volleyed them into a lead from close range.

The midfielder was unmarked at the back post to gather Gjermund Asen's deep cross from the left, taking a touch before finishing through a pile of defenders.

Linfield registered their first shot on target 7 minutes after the interval as Bastian Hery, making his first start, had a go from 25 yards with a shot that was easily saved by Andre Hansen.

Northern Ireland under-21 striker Shayne also made his Linfield debut as he replaced Kirk Millar in the 68th minute, but his introduction was soon overshadowed as just one minute later, the visitors were 2-0 up.

Anders Konradsen powered down the left before pulling it back for striker Alexander Soderlund who casually dinked the ball over Deane to put the result, and quite likely the tie, beyond all doubt.