However, the early goal was a huge blow to what is clearly still a side with brittle confidence and whilst they battled hard they never recovered from falling behind.

BBC: Sunderland 4-0 Bolton

Villa, who challenged for a Champions League spot for much of last season, never recovered from falling a goal behind after just a minute in the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium in Vienna.

CNN: Rapid claim shock Europa Cup win over Villa

"I think we were due for a bounce, " said DeBoer, who felt his team never deviated from the game plan even after falling behind by two goals.

WSJ: Devils rally for 3-2 win, end 6-game slide