Ferencvaros send TNS out of Champions League

The New Saints are out of Champions League qualifying following a 7-1 second round aggregate defeat by Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

The visitors won the first leg 5-0 and struck twice more before Saints’ late consolation from Josh Daniels at Park Hall Stadium.

Saints, Welsh champions in the last three seasons, began the tie as underdogs against opponents who have won their last six national titles and included a number of international players.

That gulf in class was evident as Craig Harrison’s side suffered in the opening leg in Budapest.

Saints needed a miracle at home in the rematch and they held out until shortly before the break when Kristoffer Zachariassen added to his first-leg score with the opener.

Philippe Rommens struck from the penalty spot after Ash Baker’s foul to double the visitors’ lead in the second period.

As the final whistle loomed, Josh Daniels gave the hosts the consolation of the tie’s final goal.

Saints now drop into the Europa League third qualifying round, where they go to Moldova champions FC Petrocub on Thursday, 8 August before the return leg seven days later.