Nottingham Forest Secure Victory Against Porto In Dyche Debut As Aston Villa Stunned By Go Ahead Eagles

Sean Dyche marked his debut as Nottingham Forest manager with a victory secured by two penalty kicks in a 2-0 Europa League triumph over Porto, while Aston Villa suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday.

Nottingham Forest, having dismissed Ange Postecoglou after only 40 days and eight matches in charge on Saturday, were without a win in their previous 10 outings since the Premier League season began.

However, Dyche, who kicked off his professional playing days at the club that clinched the European Cup twice, made an instant difference, although Forest relied on VAR decisions to overcome the Portuguese powerhouse.

Morgan Gibbs-White converted from the penalty spot in the 19th minute following a handball call against Jan Bednarek.

"Tonight I can finally relax. The past few months have been tough with all the upheaval and poor showings," Gibbs-White commented.

"Things feel much brighter now, and we must maintain that. The manager deserves praise for embedding this in the team, and we need to sustain that mindset."

The ex-Southampton centre-back Bednarek believed he had levelled the scores soon after the interval, but VAR disallowed it due to an offside position involving Samu Aghehowa.

VAR also assisted the hosts when Nicola Savona received an initial yellow card for simulation, a call reversed to grant a second penalty with 13 minutes remaining.

Igor Jesus powered in his debut goal for Forest at the City Ground on that occasion.

Villa Receive Harsh Lesson

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery noted that his team learned a tough truth about European competitions after their unbeaten Europa League run halted unexpectedly in the Netherlands.

Emery's squad, tipped as favourites before the tournament, had impressed by defeating Bologna and Feyenoord to launch their continental effort strongly.

The away team took an early lead through Evann Guessand's initial goal for Villa.

Yet, amid chaotic weather, the Dutch outfit claimed a memorable success in their debut group stage European encounter.

Mathis Suray equalised with a deflection before the break, and Mats Deijl chipped over Emiliano Martinez to put the Dutch Cup holders ahead.

Emi Buendia had been decisive in Villa's win at Tottenham last Sunday, but the Argentine switched from saviour to culprit by missing a stoppage-time penalty that could have earned a point.

"This match highlighted the challenges of European away games," Emery stated.

"Its why I adore football, with so many paths to success. We controlled the game, created opportunities, but allowing a few openings can lead to defeat. And thats what happened to us."

Danny Rohl faced a dismal beginning as Rangers boss in a 3-0 loss in Norway against Brann.

The Scottish heavyweights European ambitions lie in ruins following a third straight Europa League setback, placing them at the foot of the 36-team league.

The managerial switch failed to inspire as Emil Kornvig tapped in at the far post for Brann's advantage at half-time.

Jacob Sorensen capitalised on defensive lapses with a header from a set-piece, then Noah Holm added to Rangers misery.

Celtic restored some Scottish honour by overturning a deficit for their inaugural European victory this term against Sturm Graz.

Quickfire strikes from Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren within three minutes clinched a 2-1 success after Tomi Horvat's stunning effort gave the visitors the edge at Celtic Park.

Midtjylland from Denmark climbed to the summit with a 3-0 success versus Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Lyon maintained their perfect streak by overcoming Basel 2-0, courtesy of efforts from Corentin Tolisso and Afonso Moreira.

Braga remain the sole team with three victories from three outings after a 2-0 result over Red Star Belgrade.

Bologna claimed a 2-1 win at Steaua Bucharest for their breakthrough in the league phase.

Fenerbahce edged Stuttgart 1-0, whereas Real Betis drew 0-0 on the road at Genk.