Cliftonville FC has marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating ten years since the Irish League's inaugural European Play-Off fixtures. The Reds, finishing fourth in the Premiership, earned their place in the first-ever Final back in 2016, where they faced Glentoran at Solitude. The match was a thrilling encounter, with Cliftonville taking an early lead through Jay Donnelly, only to see Glentoran rally back to take a 2-1 lead before a dramatic series of events unfolded, including a brawl that led to red cards for both teams. Ultimately, Cliftonville secured their spot in the Europa League with a 3-2 victory after a tense penalty shootout.

The following year, Cliftonville FC faced another intense semi-final, this time against Glenavon, where they initially led 3-2 at halftime but were ultimately eliminated. In 2018, after a disappointing Irish Cup Final, Cliftonville found themselves in the Play-Offs again. They showcased their resilience with a 4-0 victory over Ballymena United, setting up a rematch against Glentoran that ended in another nail-biting finish, with Joe Gormley scoring the decisive goal to send the team to face Nordsjælland in the Europa League.

One of the most memorable moments came on May 7, 2019, when Cliftonville FC staged a remarkable comeback against Coleraine in the Play-Off semi-finals. Trailing 2-0 early on, the Reds fought back to win 5-3, with Ryan Curran scoring a crucial penalty in the dying moments of regular time. This victory set the stage for yet another Final against Glentoran, showcasing Cliftonville's determination and fighting spirit.

As Cliftonville FC reflects on a decade of European Play-Offs, the club's journey has been filled with unforgettable matches and dramatic moments. The Reds have not only made their mark in the Irish League but have also established themselves on the European stage, demonstrating their ambition and resilience as they look forward to future challenges.