Villa Reach Last 16 Of Conference League Despite Late Mostar ...
December 14, (THEWILL) – Aston Villa managed to progress to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League on Thursday, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The English Premier League club, finished top of Group E to advance directly to the next round.
On-loan Roma striker, Nicolo Zaniolo, gave Villa the lead in the 61st minute, but a late wonder goal from Zrinjski’s Matija Malekinusic, secured a share of the points for the hosts. The draw was still enough for manager Unai Emery’s much-changed line-up to achieve their aim of finishing on top.
Emery opted to rest the majority of his regular starters, handing debuts to goalkeeper Filip Marschall and using the match for squad players to get minutes. Villa lacked cohesion and clear-cut chances in the first half as Zrinjski defended stoutly.
The introductions of John McGinn and Lucas Digne, just before the hour mark injected attacking impetus. McGinn provided the assist for Zaniolo’s opener, with the Italian controlling smoothly before finishing clinically.
As Villa looked to see out the result, the home side finally threatened through substitute Josip Corluka. Yet, Malekinusic’s spectacular 25-yard drive in the 87th minute stunned the visitors. Thankfully for Villa, they held on to progress.
