Saint-Etienne knocked out of Europa League

Saint-Etienne have been knocked out of the Europa League at the qualifying stage after a 5-3 aggregate loss to Esbjerg.

After an entertaining first leg, which the Danes won 4-3, the second game was a much quieter affair with Esbjerg again coming out on top, this time 1-0.

Neither side was able to create any real chances in the first half until the final few moments, when Renaud Cohade fired just wide from the edge of the box.

The pattern continued in the second period, but with just under 20 minutes remaining, Esbjerg extended their aggregate lead thanks to an own goal from Mustapha Bayal Sall.

The French side's response was to bring on 16-year-old Allan Saint-Maximin, but the youngster had little impact and was unable to prevent Saint-Etienne from going out of the competition.