St Johnstone bow out of Europe after dramatic Alashkert defeat St Johnstone’s European adventure ended in heartbreak on Thursday night as they were eliminated by Armenian side Alashkert despite a late fightback at McDiarmid Park. The Saints, who finished last season as Scottish Championship winners with 77 points and a 11-point lead over Partick, showed resilience but ultimately fell short in their quest for continental progression.

What happened in the match? Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, St Johnstone drew level when Michael O’Halloran fired home an angled drive from 18 yards after 38 minutes. The home side were given a boost when Karen Muradyan was sent off for a second booking midway through the second half. However, Norayr Gyozalyan’s clinical finish on 72 minutes restored Alashkert’s advantage with a crucial away goal. Brad McKay’s late strike gave St Johnstone hope, but Scott Brown missed a late chance to force extra time.

Why it matters for St Johnstone This defeat marks the end of St Johnstone’s European campaign, but the club can take pride in their recent form. Having ended the 2025 season on a five-game winning streak, including a 1-0 victory over Ayr United in their last match, the Saints will now focus on defending their Scottish Championship title. With 67 goals scored and only 25 conceded last season, they remain a formidable force in domestic football.

What comes next for the Saints? With no European football to distract them, St Johnstone can now concentrate fully on their domestic campaign. The club will aim to build on their impressive recent form and maintain their dominance in the Scottish Championship. Fans will be eager to see if the team can replicate their success from last season, where they finished 11 points clear at the top.