Dundalk's historic 3-0 win over BATE Borisov last week has come at a cost to their league form.
Back-to-back losses away to Galway United and Bray Wanderers has seen Stephen Kenny's side fail to increase their lead at the top of the Premier Division. They are six points clear of Cork City, but last season's runners-up have two games in hand.
The Louth side took the lead in the Carlisle Grounds on Wednesday night against Bray, but lost lost 2-1. Speaking to Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan, Kenny admitted that the team's European exploits have been a distraction.
"I can't deny that. It shouldn't be the case though."
The loss to Bray was the second time in less than a week Stephen Kenny's side failed to earn any points. The manager admitted he was shocked his team lost both games.
"It was understandable in Galway. We played alright there but lost. We were on top here though in the first half. It was very disappointing to lose it in the manner we did."
"It's hard to believe we have come out of those two games with no points. In the last three years, we have never lost two matches in a row... It's a terrible couple of results."
No matter what happens against Legia Warsaw in the next two weeks, Dundalk are guaranteed six more games in Europe in either the Champions League or Europa League group stages. Kenny will hope his side can bring some positive league form into those games.
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