Aston Villa finally found relief from their poor start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Bologna to launch their Europa League campaign on Thursday, while Rangers boss Russell Martin came under growing pressure after a damaging home defeat to Genk.
Despite going winless in their first five Premier League fixtures, Villa were tipped among the Europa League favourites, thanks to their strong European run last season and manager Unai Emery’s pedigree as a four-time winner of the competition.
Villa captain John McGinn struck in the 13th minute, drilling a low shot into the corner to secure all three points against the Coppa Italia holders.
However, doubts around the squad’s form persist. Ollie Watkins, still without a goal this season, missed a penalty after coming off the bench, his weak effort easily saved by goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski. Bologna came close to equalising when Santiago Castro’s header rattled the crossbar, but Villa held firm for their first win of the campaign.
“Important to get a win at home after not our strongest start to the season,” said McGinn. “We’ve had a lot of praise the past couple of seasons and we’re rightly being criticised at the minute.”
Rangers woes deepen
At Ibrox, Rangers endured another nightmare evening as chants for manager Russell Martin’s dismissal rang out following a 1-0 defeat to Genk.
Midfielder Mohamed Diomande’s red card just before halftime left the home side vulnerable, and although former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu saw his penalty saved in stoppage time, the South Korean returned after the break to score the decisive goal.
Martin, appointed in June, has now overseen an eight-game winless streak across domestic and European competitions, putting his position in serious jeopardy.
Other Europa League results
- Lille 2–1 Brann: Olivier Giroud struck a late winner.
- Utrecht 0–1 Lyon: American midfielder Tanner Tessmann netted the only goal.
- Stuttgart 2–1 Celta Vigo.
- RB Salzburg 0–1 Porto.
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