Watch: Heroic Dundalk’s Champions League dreams crushed by stunning last-minute goal

So close.

Dundalk have missed out on a place in the group stages of the Champions League, but the Irish champions did themselves justice in their second-leg tie away to Legia Warsaw. Trailing 2-0 from last week's tie in Dublin, Stephen Kenny's side needed to get off to a strong start in Poland to give themselves any chance of progression and Robbie Benson's volley ensured just that. The midfielder latched onto a cross that had been headed to the edge of Legia's penalty area, hitting a thunderous strike into the top corner after 19 minutes. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/768164106700328960 The Irish side didn't retreat and continued to push for the goal that would bring the tie to extra-time. Their cause was aided by Adam Hlousek's dismissal after 67 minutes, the winger received his marching orders for two bookable offences. Legia would have had to play almost an hour with 10 players had Dundalk been able to force extra-time. However, despite continuing to push for the goal that would level the tie, unfortunately Kenny's side came up short and were hit with a sucker punch in stoppage time. Michal Kucharczyk picked up a long pass, dribbled inside and let fly from the edge of the penalty area, past Gary Rogers to make it 1-1. The Polish side will now play in the group stages of the Champions League, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. Dundalk will enter the Europa League. Heartbreak for Dundalk, but a truly heroic performance. https://twitter.com/stephenhunt1010/status/768185743227224067 https://twitter.com/gerramia/status/768185690815340545 https://twitter.com/HistoryLOI/status/768183245519237121 https://twitter.com/ColmODonoghue/status/768184620999409664 https://twitter.com/RobbieButlerUCC/status/768185030476754944 https://twitter.com/FintanMusic/status/768185451287117824