Aston Villa hit Europa League snag as Danny Rohl suffers defeat in first Rangers game in charge
Aston Villa and Rangers suffered defeats to Go Ahead Eagles and Bronn respectively
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Aston Villa's impressive six-match winning run came to an abrupt halt in the Netherlands as they fell to a stunning 2-1 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles in Thursday night's Europa League encounter.
The English side had been enjoying a remarkable turnaround in form, remaining unbeaten in normal time since their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace in late August.
The loss at De Adelaarshorst marked Villa's first setback in this season's Europa League campaign, having previously secured victories against Bologna and Feyenoord.
For the Dutch hosts, who earned their European qualification through winning the KNVB Cup last season, the victory represents one of the most significant results in their history.
Mats Deijl scored the winner for Go Ahead Eagles in a shock result against Aston Villa
|REUTERS
The provincial club from Deventer, situated 60 miles east of Amsterdam, were competing in the Dutch second tier as recently as 2021.
Villa struck early when Evann Guessand netted his maiden goal for the club just four minutes in, converting after goalkeeper Jari De Busser could only punch away Jadon Sancho's cross.
The visitors dominated proceedings and created numerous opportunities to extend their advantage, with Ollie Watkins squandering a clear chance by shooting directly at De Busser.
Guessand himself was guilty of hesitation when played through on goal before the half-hour mark, allowing the Dutch keeper to block his attempt.
Against the run of play, Go Ahead Eagles drew level three minutes before the interval when Mathis Suray's effort took a significant deflection and looped beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Emi Buendia apologised to fans after skying his penalty over
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The hosts completed their remarkable comeback in the 61st minute as captain Mats Deijl controlled Joris Kramer's delivery before finishing past Martinez.
Villa were presented with an ideal opportunity to salvage a point when Dean James handled inside the penalty area with 13 minutes remaining.
However, Emiliano Buendia sent his spot-kick soaring over the crossbar in the swirling wind and rain, squandering the chance to level the score.
Substitute Morgan Rogers struck the woodwork with a cross-shot and later curled an effort narrowly wide, but Villa's attempts at a late comeback proved fruitless.
The defeat leaves Unai Emery's team with six points from their opening three Europa League fixtures, though they remain well-positioned to progress through the league phase.
Villa must quickly refocus as they prepare to host Manchester City at Villa Park on Sunday, before facing Maccabi Tel-Aviv in their next European fixture.
Meanwhile in Norway, Danny Rohl's tenure as Rangers head coach began with disappointment as his side succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Brann in Bergen.
Bronn thrashed Rangers in Danny Rohl's first match in charge
|REUTERS
The German, appointed just three days ago, watched his team fall behind when Emil Kornvig capitalised on a Bard Finne shot to score from close range.
Despite Jack Butland producing several saves to keep Rangers in contention during the first half, the visitors struggled defensively throughout.
Jacob Sorensen doubled Brann's advantage shortly after the interval, heading home Finne's free-kick without any challenge from the Rangers defence.
Noah Holm, who impressed throughout the second period, sealed the comprehensive victory with a powerful late strike.
Danny Rohl replaced Russell Martin at Rangers after an extensive search
|REUTERS
The result leaves Rangers rooted to the bottom of the Europa League group phase standings.