Aston Villa moved a step closer towards the UEFA Cup last night by defeating Stade Rennais of France to qualify for the InterToto Cup final.
An early goal from Dion Dublin settled the game but with Villa going through on the away goals rule the late strike by Darius Vassell in the first leg proved more vital.
Manager John Gregory, heartened by the way David Ginola had tormented his compatriots after being introduced as a substitute during the first leg, gave the Frenchman a rare start. Gregory reasoned that with his team needing a victory to qualify for the final, Ginola was the likeliest to provide it.
And he wasted little time by playing a pivotal role in levelling the tie. Just three minutes had elapsed when Ginola crossed for the unmarked Dion Dublin to volley home from close range.
Meanwhile, Newcastle completed a comprehensive victory over 1860 Munich of Germany winning 3-1 at St James's Park to go through 6-3 on aggregate
Welshman Gary Speed gave Newcastle the perfect start with a fifth-minute header but Markus Schroth dragged the Germans back into the tie just before half-time. However, late strikes from substitute Lomana Lua-Lua and Nolberto Solano from the penalty spot wrapped up the game for Bobby Robson's men.
