Saints crash out on return to Europe

Southampton 0 Steaua Bucharest 1 (2-1 Steaua on agg)

Southampton withstood a ferocious atmosphere in Romania tonight but crashed out of the UEFA Cup after fluffing their lines in front of goal.

Saints lost 1-0 against Steaua Bucharest to see their return to Europe after a 19-year absence end at the first hurdle in a 2-1 aggregate defeat.

The breakthrough came as Steaua hit the visitors on the break with eight minutes left to book their place in the second round.

Victor Piturca’s side burst forward on the break and Raducanu exchanged passes with Dumitru before sliding the ball home from eight yards.

Phillips blasted wide from 18 yards as Southampton pushed in vain for an equaliser.