DERRY CITY GOT a Europa League bonus today when they were bumped up to the second qualifying round of next season’s competition — and it’s all thanks to Chelsea.
UEFA confirmed changes to the tournament rankings which will see the Candystripes enter Europe a round later than expected.
As FAI Cup winners Derry were entitled to a place in the first round.
But because Chelsea, the Europa League holders, also qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League, Declan Devine’s men will have to put their European adventure back by a few weeks.
“The place provisionally reserved for the title holders in the group stages of the 2013/14 UEFA Europa League is now vacant,” the FAI confirmed today, with Derry eligible for an upgrade based on Ireland’s national co-efficient.
As Benfica also qualified for next year’s Champions League it didn’t really matter which side won, but thanks to Branislav Ivanovic’s stoppage time winner, it’s the Londoners who might find themselves on a few extra Christmas card lists.
