Linfield slipped to a three-goal defeat in their latest European outing away to Swiss champions FC Zurich.

Already two goals down from last week's Europa League defeat at Windsor Park, the Blues fell further behind when Donis Avdijaj fired FCZ in front on the night after 11 minutes with a well executed strike beyond Chris Johns into the top corner after receiving the ball from Antonio Marchesano.

Avdijaj made it 2-0 just before the half-hour mark with a powerful downward header when he connected to Adrian Guerrero's left-sided cross.

That was how it stayed until six minutes from time when Croatian international Ivan Santini added a third with a flick past Johns at the near post.

However Linfield's European journey continues into the UEFA Conference League. They will face Latvian side RFS in a two-legged play-off for a place in the group stages of the continent's newest competition.

David Healy's side are away in the first leg, scheduled for next Thursday (18th) before hosting the return a week later (kick-off 7:45pm).

FC Zurich: Brecher, Kamberi, Adrián Guerrero, Aliti, Selnæs, Marchesano, Tosin, Conde, Avdijaj, Boranijašević, Kryeziu subs de Nitti (not used), Kostadinović (not used), Omeragić (not used), Krasniqi (replaced Avdijaj 46), Santini (replaced Marchesano 75), Okita (not used), Hornschuh (replaced Conde 46), Džemaili (replaced Selnæs 74), Gnonto (not used), Rohner (replaced Boranijašević 66), Mets (not used), Seiler (not used)

Linfield: Johns, Roscoe, Newberry, McClean, Cooper, M. Clarke, McKee, Finlayson, Mulgrew, Pepper, Palmer subs Williamson (not used), Walsh (not used), Shields (not used), Millar (replaced Pepper 85), McDaid (not used), Hall (not used), Devine (replaced Cooper 63), Fallon (not used), Vertainen (replaced McKee 62), A. Clarke (replaced Palmer 78), Archer (replaced Mulgrew 85)