When Larne faces Red Star Belgrade at Inver Park in the Champions League second qualifying round on July 21, they echo the journey of Portadown, who battled the European giants 35 years ago.

In 1991, Red Star began their defense of the European Cup by overwhelming Portadown with an 8-0 aggregate score. The first leg took place in Szeged, Hungary, due to security issues in Yugoslavia, resulting in a 4-0 loss for Portadown, matched by another 4-0 defeat at Shamrock Park.

The victorious Portadown squad featured notable players such as goalkeeper Mickey Keenan, defenders Philip Major and Alfie Stewart, midfielders Martin Russell and Paul Doolin, and the Scottish striking duo Stevie Cowan and Sandy Fraser. Stewart, who formed a central defense partnership with Brian Strain, recalled the excitement of discovering their opponents through the Ceefax service.

Stewart described the atmosphere during the away leg as both challenging and exhilarating, with a hostile Serbian crowd amplifying the experience. He emphasized the thrill of competing against elite players, noting their superior speed and strength.

Reflecting on the 4-0 defeat, Stewart expressed pride in their performance, especially against a team featuring talents like Sinisa Mihajlovic, renowned for his free-kick prowess. The return leg at Shamrock Park was equally memorable, with Darko Pancev, the 1991 European Golden Boot winner, scoring for Red Star.

As Larne prepares for their encounter with Red Star, the echoes of Portadown's past serve as a reminder of the magic and challenges of European football.