What's happened
On October 24, 2024, The New Saints made history by winning their first group game in a major European competition, defeating Astana 2-0 in the Europa Conference League. Declan McManus scored a penalty to secure the victory, following Rory Holden's first-half header.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Scotsman, Declan McManus played a pivotal role in TNS's historic win, stating, "If we keep putting in performances like that... we’ll ask questions and see where that takes us." The Guardian highlighted the logistical challenges faced by Astana, noting their long journey and the decision to leave key players at home for domestic commitments. The Independent echoed this sentiment, emphasizing TNS's strong performance following a record-equalling domestic victory, which set the stage for their European success. These perspectives illustrate the significance of TNS's achievement in the context of both Welsh football and European competitions.
How we got here
The New Saints, a Welsh football club, achieved a significant milestone by reaching the group stage of the Europa Conference League. This victory marks their first win in a group game, following a loss to Fiorentina in their opening match.
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