Aston Villa's UEFA Cup hopes were dealt a huge blow last night when they crashed 3-2 at home to Croatian side NK Varteks.

Two second-half goals from Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel hauled John Gregory's side back into the match after twice going behind, but Croat striker Sasa Bjelanovic grabbed his second of the night to steal a crucial win.

Villa were stung in the final minute of the first half. Mukaj played an intelligent ball into the path of Bjelanovic on the right hand side of the box and as Peter Schmeichel came off his line the Varteks striker slid it between his legs and into the net to spark celebrations for the Croats.

However Juan Pablo Angel pulled his team level after 54 minutes. Steve Stone attempted a shot, but his poor effort instead served as a cross which was swept home from close range by Angel.

Villa were not on level terms for long, however, as Varteks regained the lead after 63 minutes.

Zoran Kastel fed Karic on the left edge of the box and his sweet left-foot shot beat Schmeichel into the bottom left corner.

Villa battled back and were rewarded when Angel equalised after 69 minutes, heading home at the far post after Kachloul's curling cross from the right.

But Villa had no answer when Bjelanovic popped up again to claim the winner five minutes from the end.