Another Rapid departure for shell-shocked Villa

ASTON VILLA crashed out of the Europa League last night at the final qualifying hurdle against Rapid Vienna for the second successive season despite twice being in front.

It was a big financial blow for the midlands club and also weakened caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald’s chances of being given the job on a permanent basis.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey netted for Villa but Rapid refused to buckle and goals from Atdhe Nuhiu, Mario Sonnleitner and Rene Gartler stunned the near 30,000 crowd.