Shamrock Rovers fell to a 2-0 defeat against Slovan Bratislava away from home on a night where the home side controlled much of the game.

Two goals from dangerman Rafael Ratao proved the difference and Rovers will want to keep a closer eye on the Brazilian as the team move forward to the return leg in Tallaght.

While the home side started well and controlled possession early on, they did not seem to threaten Rovers defence. Richie Towell looked dangerous at times for Rovers and Sean Gannon found himself in space in the penalty area in the twentieth minute, but his shot was saved.

Just before the half-hour Mark, dangerman Rafael Ratao broke the deadlock with a strong header past Mannus. Rovers pushed forward for a reply and on the 40th minute, Liam Scales delivered a great ball into the area but Slovan keeper Chovan getting there just before Gaffney.

Bratislava started the second half strongly, A wonderful move on the right wing. and the ball fall in the six yard box for Rafael Ratao, who scores his second goal of the game. 2-0. Within 5 minutes, Bratislava had the ball in the net again but Roberto Lopes was adjudged to have been fouled by Kenty in the lead up to it. 

There was nice interplay between Rovers when Hoare who played it long to Scales, quick pass to Towell who lays it off to Finn, but his shot goes over the bar. 

Rovers brought on Mandriou and Burke as they strived to make an impact on the game. The game petered out as both teams made substitutions but very importantly Mannus made a crucial save late on against Weiss to stop Slovan increasing their lead, and potentially finishing the tie. Shamrock Rovers will be hoping for a better result in Tallaght.