Late Rapid fire sees Villa exit Europe

ASTON VILLA’S hopes of reaching the group stages of the Europa League were ended by a late goal from Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic in the second leg of the qualifier at Villa Park last night.

Martin O’Neill’s side looked to have turned around a first leg deficit after a James Milner penalty and John Carew’s second-half goal had put them ahead on aggregate.

But Jelavic, who had scored for Vienna in the first encounter, had the final say with 14 minutes remaining.