Aston Villa secured the leading position in Group E and advanced to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League with a draw against Zrinjski Mostar.
Nicolo Zaniolo seemed to have secured victory for Villa with his well-placed shot from substitute John McGinn’s cross in the second half. Despite this, Matija Malekinusic’s late curling effort added tension for Villa in the closing moments.
Although Unai Emery made eight changes to his starting XI, Villa dominated possession in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They missed two great chances in the uneventful first half, with Zaniolo lifting an early effort over the bar and Moussa Diaby miskicking from a promising position.
Captain McGinn’s introduction in the second half provided an immediate boost, leading to Zaniolo’s goal from six yards out in the 61st minute – his first goal for the club.
Despite handing a debut to 19-year-old midfielder Tommi O’Reilly, Emery seemed dissatisfied with Villa’s late-game performance. Defensive concerns emerged, including a moment when the debutant goalkeeper Filip Marschall’s clearance hit Calum Chambers, creating an opportunity for the hosts.
Zrinjski Mostar finally found the net in the 87th minute, with Malekinusic’s shot deflecting off a defender and looping over Marschall, rewarding the hosts for their persistence.
