Dundalk have been narrowly beaten by Europa League Group D leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia.
Stephen Kenny's side lost 2-1 but are still in contention to qualify from the group.
Dundalk showed plenty of grit and determination in the first half as they held Zenit at bay.
Gary Rogers was particularly impressive as he and the Lilywhites defence snuffed out the threat from the Russian giants.
42: GOAL!
Zenit 1-0 Dundalk (Giuliano).
Live on eir Sport 1. #LOIinEurope #ZenitDundalk #UEL https://t.co/YkXabnaD0C— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 3, 2016
But Zenit ultimately took the lead five minutes before the break when they caught out Dundalk and broke forwards, with Aleksandar Kerzhakov playing in Guiliano who finished off the attack with a composed finish.
Giuliano celebrates scoring their first goal for Zenit ©INPHO/Mikhail Kireev
However, after the break, Dundalk showed the resolute traits that have seen them impress in their Europa League group stage debut as Ireland squad call-up Daryl Horgan showed pace to race through and equalise.
52: GOAAAAL!
Zenit 1-1 Dundalk.
Daryl Horgan draws the LOI champions level! #LOIinEurope https://t.co/YnczdOIXq3— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 3, 2016
Zenit pushed forwards again and on 78 minutes, Giuliano got his second when he poked in from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
78: GOAL
Zenit 2-1 Dundalk.
Giuliano gets his second. #LOIinEurope https://t.co/6pQXVY11HA— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 3, 2016
But Stephen Kenny's side could have been level again after an audacious attempt from Patrick McEleney beat the goalkeeper but hit the frame of the goal.
82: CHANCE!
McEleney hits the bar for Dundalk! So close. Still 2-1. #LOIinEurope #ZenitDundalk https://t.co/UyLVJjuCa8— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 3, 2016
However, Zenit held on to their lead to move further clear at the top of the group, while Dundalk remain on four points from four games.
Their remaining fixtures are against Maccabi Tel Aviv away and AZ Alkmaar at home.
Those two sides drew 0-0 in Israel.
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