Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles produced one of the shocks of the UEFA Europa League season, defeating English giants Aston Villa 2–1 in a rain-soaked thriller at De Adelaarshorst.

Just weeks after recording their first-ever European victory, the Deventer club faced their toughest test yet against Unai Emery’s star-studded Villa side. Striker Milan Smit, who netted a decisive brace against Panathinaikos, led the line once again in the absence of injured forward Victor Edvardsen.

For Aston Villa, Victor Lindelöf made his first start since joining from Manchester United, replacing Matty Cash at right-back. Among the Dutch contingent returning home, Lamare Bogarde and Ian Maatsen started, while Donyell Malen and Marco Bizot began on the bench.

A Nervy Start and a Costly Mistake

Go Ahead Eagles nearly stunned the visitors inside two minutes when defender Gerrit Nauber fired just over the bar after a corner. But their early energy was quickly punished. A mix-up between Nauber and goalkeeper Jari De Busser allowed Jadon Sancho’s cross to fall kindly for Evann Guessand, who slotted home to give Villa a 1–0 lead.

De Busser redeemed himself moments later with fine saves to deny both Sancho and Ollie Watkins, keeping the hosts within touching distance.

Disaster struck again for the Dutch side midway through the first half as Nauber was stretchered off following a collision with Lamare Bogarde. Midfielder Calvin Twigt replaced the injured centre-half.

Eagles Find Their Wings

Despite Villa’s dominance, De Busser continued to frustrate the Premier League side, pulling off another crucial save to deny Guessand a second goal. The home crowd’s faith was finally rewarded shortly before half-time when Mathis Suray curled a magnificent free-kick into the top corner, leaving Emiliano Martínez rooted to the spot.

The equaliser ignited belief around De Adelaarshorst — and Go Ahead Eagles carried that momentum into the second half.

Deijl’s Moment of Glory

After a period of sustained Villa possession, the hosts struck again in sensational fashion. Captain Mats Deijl, pushing forward from right-back, latched onto a deep ball from Joris Kramer and coolly chipped Martínez to send the stadium into raptures.

As the rain poured down, Villa struggled to respond. Their best chance came late on when referee Filip Glova awarded a penalty for handball against Dean James. However, substitute Emiliano Buendía blazed his effort over the bar, ensuring the night belonged to the Deventer underdogs.

History Made in the Rain

A late Villa siege failed to break the resilient Eagles, who held firm to record a historic first home win in European competition and their second consecutive Europa League victory.

The result leaves both clubs on six points from three matches, with Go Ahead Eagles now set to visit Red Bull Salzburg on November 6. Aston Villa, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they host Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park.

Key Match Stats (via Opta / StatsPerform)

Final Score: Go Ahead Eagles 2–1 Aston Villa

Goals: Guessand 12’ (AVL), Suray 43’ (GAE), Deijl 63’ (GAE)

Possession: Aston Villa 64% – 36% Go Ahead Eagles

Shots on Target: Villa 6 – 5 Eagles

Saves: De Busser 5 – Martínez 3

Attendance: 9,200 (De Adelaarshorst, Deventer)