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Aston Villa suffered a shock Europa League defeat as Emiliano Buendia missed a second-half penalty against an inspired Go Ahead Eagles side in Deventer.
The loss leaves Villa seventh in the group table, while the Dutch Cup holders rise to 10th—both sides level on six points ahead of Thursday night’s remaining fixtures.
Evann Guessand’s early close-range strike appeared to set Unai Emery’s team on course to maintain their perfect European record.
However, the hosts equalised just before half-time when Mathis Suray’s deflected effort looped past Emiliano Martinez, before Mats Deijl gave the Eredivisie side the lead shortly after the hour mark with a composed finish.
Villa’s best chance to rescue a point came late on when the referee awarded a penalty for handball against Dean James. But Buendia blasted his spot-kick over the bar, sending the De Adelaarshorst crowd into raptures.
It was a famous win for the Dutch side, who returned to European competition this season after lifting their first major trophy in 92 years—the KNVB Cup.
For Villa and manager Unai Emery, it was a deeply frustrating night.
Emery’s decision to rotate heavily from the team that beat Tottenham in the Premier League initially seemed justified, as Villa dominated the opening half.
Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper Jari de Busser endured a shaky start, failing to deal with Guessand’s opener. The Ivorian striker should have doubled Villa’s advantage shortly afterwards but was denied by the keeper’s quick reflexes.
De Busser redeemed himself with another fine save to turn away Jadon Sancho’s low drive, keeping his side in the contest.
The visitors were then punished for defensive lapses—first when Suray’s shot deflected off Tyrone Mings into the net and later when Deijl latched onto a long ball past a static back line to score the winner.
