Uefa Cup wins for Villa and City

Updated 22.20 Thu Aug 28 2008

Keywords: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Uefa Cup

Aston Villa and Manchester City have both progressed through to the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup.

A poor performance by City saw them beat Denmark's FC Midtjylland on penalties.

City lost to the Danes 1-0 in the first leg at Eastlands earlier this month and faced a stiff test in the second qualifying round return leg at the SAS Arena in Herning

City lost to the Danes 1-0 in the first leg at Eastlands earlier this month and faced a stiff test in the second qualifying round return leg in Herning.

After an abject display in normal time, only an own goal by Midtjylland defender Danny Califf in the 89th minute forced the match into extra time.

City had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank as he saved two penalties in the ensuing shoot-out to ensure victory.

Aston Villa got through to the first round proper of the Uefa Cup for the first time in seven years despite being held by Icelandic part-timers Hafnarfjordur in a low-key second leg at Villa Park.

The expected goal rush did not materialise after a bright start from Villa, who effectively wrapped up the tie by winning in Iceland 4-1 two weeks ago.

Craig Gardner put Martin O'Neill's side ahead after 27 minutes but their battling opponents levelled three minutes later through Atli Bjornsson.