Tag

A 2-0 win tonight at the GelreDome, in Arnhem, ensured Saints advanced past the third qualifying round, having beaten the Dutch club 3-0 at St Mary’s in the first leg last Thursday.

Southampton may boast a convincing advantage against Vitesse Arnhem, but fiercely-competitive manager Ronald Koeman says it would be “crazy” to jeopardise their Europa League dream by fielding a weakened side.

The Saints are in town to play Vitesse Arnhem in the second leg of their qualifying match for Europe’s second tier competition, but scenes of happy fans mixing together turned ugly when violence broke out.

Press Association Sport understands Koeman has been advised to have his ruptured Achilles operated on as soon as possible, meaning he could miss Sunday’s Premier League opener against Newcastle.

Valencia was starting his first game since returning from Copa America duty.