eplmatches.com

Aston Villa’s second-string team were comprehensively outplayed in their final Uefa Cup group game in Hamburg.

Having already qualified for the last 32, Villa made a raft of changes and Mladen Petric volleyed Hamburg ahead.

Ivica Olic headed in Dennis Aogo’s left-wing cross and Olic made it 3-0 with another fine strike after Craig Gardner nearly scored at the other end.

Nathan Delfouneso deflected in a late consolation, before Steve Sidwell was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Villa finished third in Group F and now play a group winner in the last 32.

The draw for the next round takes place in Nyon at 1200 GMT on Friday.

The result is of little significance to boss Martin O’Neill, who claimed before the game he did not care whether they finished first, second or third in their group.

But he will be concerned by the level of performance of several fringe players who were second-best throughout at the Nordbank Arena.

They barely had a touch of the ball in the first 10 minutes as Hamburg knocked it around with nonchalance, before Martin Jol’s side took the lead in sumptuous fashion.

1-0 Petric 17′

2-0 I.Olic 29′

3-0 I.Olic 56′

3-1 Delfouneso 82′