Ronald Koeman’s side sent crashing out of Europe following second-leg defeat in Denmark
Southampton were sent crashing out of Europe courtesy of a strike from FC Midtjylland’s very own 'Big Dunc’.
Former Celtic striker Morten Rasmussen was given the nickname 'Duncan’ during his early years with AGF Aarhus as he reminded a coach of former Everton forward Duncan Ferguson, with the Denmark international even sporting the name on the back of his shirt.
And he provided the moment of inspiration to send the Danish champions into the Europa League group stages, with Ronald Koeman’s Southampton losing 1-0 on the night and falling at the final hurdle of qualification.
Having made heavy weather of a first-leg draw at St Mary’s a week ago, Southampton were unable to get on the scoresheet at the soaked MCH Arena in Herning and will now go back to focusing on the stuttering start they have made to their domestic campaign.
After passing up several chances to open the scoring and chalk up a crucial away goal, Jay Rodriguez was guilty of a sloppy pass on the edge of his own penalty area that led to Rasmussen slotting home the decider. Pione Sisto could have made things worse for the Premier League side but he lacked the composure to beat Maarten Stekelenburg when inside the box.
Daniel Royer should have sewn up the tie with 10 minutes remaining but his rising effort from the edge of the area flew inches over Stekelenburg’s crossbar.
Italy international Graziano Pelle looks dejected during his side's slender defeat by the Danish champions 
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman looks on as his side crash out of the Europa League
*FC Midtjylland (Danish: [ˈmid̥ɕɛlɑnˀ], "Central Jutland") is a professional Danish football team.Danish Football Championship Winner 2014–15
-Denmark
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