Dundalk in Champions League play-off stages after beating BATE Borisov

Irish champions Dundalk are just one qualifying round away from the group stages of the Champions League after they beat BATE Borisov 3-1 on aggregate.

Despite losing the first leg 1-0 away from home, the Airtricity League champions overcame the Belarusians thanks to goals in either half from David McMillan and a late third from substitute Robert Benson.

Stephen Kenny's side will enter the draw for the final qualifying round on the champions' side, sparing them a potential clash with sides such as Manchester City or Porto for a place in the group stages. If they lose that two-legged tie, they will have the consolation of the group stage of the Europa League to look forward to. 

The result represented a measure of revenge for Dundalk, who were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by BATE in the Champions League second qualifying round last year. 

McMillan's first goal came in the 44th minute after he got on the end of Daryl Horgan's cross to head into the top corner before he made it 2-0 with a diving header in the 58th minute.

Dundalk pursued a third goal which came in the last minute when Benson, who replaced McMillan in the 78th minute, broke through on goal and showed his composure to calmly finish beyond goalkeeper Sergei Veremko.

Victory represents one of the finest achievements of any Irish team, and will earn them a reported cash windfall of £5.89m.