Local champions Hibernians yesterday suffered a heavy defeat in Ireland against Shamrock Rovers in the first leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

It will be practically impossible for the Paolites to cancel the deficit in the second leg in Ta’ Qali next week.

Hibernians had to field a depleted side with many suspended players in the likes of Andrei Agius, Ferdinando Apap, Bjorn Kristensen, Jake Grech and also coach Sanderra.

Shamrock dominated the first half with Degabriele isolated up front and the Paolites always on the receiving end.

The Irish took a two-goal by the break with goals from Finn and Watts on 25 and 40 minutes respectively.

On the resumption Hibernians introduced Groothusen and the Paolites played definitely better.

However luck turned its back on the local champions with Hibernians twice hitting the posts through Groothusen and Aldama.

Then against the run of play Shamrock Rovers scored a third goal through Gaffny, the same that should have been sent off a couple of minutes earlier when he kicked Artiles off the ball.