Champions League round-up

Welsh outfit The New Saints crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the second qualifying round after a 3-0 defeat by Helsingborg.

Carl Darlington's side travelled to Sweden in buoyant mood after a goalless draw in the first leg but made a nightmare start at the Olympia stadium, falling behind after just eight minutes thanks to defender Walid Atta.

Another defender, Thomas Sorum, doubled Helsingborg's advantage just before the half hour to put the hosts in complete control.

Brazilian forward Alvaro Santos piled on the misery for The Saints with an 89th minute third.

Northern Irish side Linfield also bowed out of the competition 3-0 on aggregate at the hands Cypriot champions AEL Limassol.

David Jeffrey's men were always up against it in the second leg at Windsor Park following their 3-0 defeat in Cyprus last week.

They clawed back some pride with a resilient display but could not break down a stubborn AEL rear-guard, resulting in a 0-0 stalemate.