Kilmarnock knocked out of Europa League following defeat to Cercle Brugge

Cercle Brugge have defeated Kilmarnock in Belgium in the second-leg of their Europa League qualifier.

The Rugby Park side will now drop into the qualifiers for the Conference League following the 1-0 defeat on Thursday night.

It means a 2-1 aggregate loss following the 1-1 draw in Ayrshire last week.

After a cagey start Thibo Somers put the home-side ahead mid-way through the first-half to give Killie a mountain to climb.

The goal came from a defensive mix-up when Liam Donnelly and Lewis Mayo both attacked the same cross and the ball landed at the feet of Cercle captain Thibo Somers to drill home from 10 yards midway through the first half.

Donnelly appeared set to deal with Abdul Outtara’s cross until Mayo came from behind to attempt a header in a communications breakdown.

And they remained a goal behind at half-time as they looked to continue their Europa League journey.

Cercle were awarded a penalty after a VAR check ten minutes into the second 45 but Robby McCrorie saved the spot-kick to keep them in the game.

Killie improved after Robby McCrorie saved a 52nd-minute penalty but could not take advantage of several opportunities that would have forced extra-time but it wasn’t to be as Cercle held on for the victory.

It will be Norwegian side Tromso up next in the Conference League qualifiers with the first leg to be played in Ayrshire next week.