Aston Villa conceded late against Zrinjiski Mostar on Thursday night to secure just one point in their final group game, watch the match highlights from Bosnia below.
WATCH: Zrinjiski Mostar vs Aston Villa (1-1) Highlights:
Zrinjiski Mostar vs Aston Villa (1-1) Report:
Aston Villa made their intentions clear from the start in Bosnia, with the visitors dominating both possession and chances in what was a very one sided first half.
Knowing that a draw would be enough to guarantee top spot in group E, Villa continued to bombard the Zrinjiski goal throughout the first period, but they couldn’t find a way to goal in a frustrating first period.
Alberto Moreno had some great opportunities to cross the ball from the left wing, but his deliveries just wouldn’t quite connect in the box.
Lucas Digne and John McGinn were introduced for Moreno and Jacob Ramsey just before the hour mark, as Unai Emery made a statement of intent to win the game.
Villa took a deserved lead shortly after the changes were made, with McGinn whipping a dangerous ball in to Nicolo Zaniolo who expertly put the visitors in front from close range.
Although they looked home and hosed in the 87th minute, Villa conceded an equaliser with just two minutes left to play as Matija Malekinušić whipped a vicious shot into the top corner.
The impressive finish was a good note for Zrinjiski Mostar to end their time in Europe on, with a memorable end to their final game in this year’s competition.
What Next For Zrinjiski Mostar & Aston Villa?
Despite conceding late on and dropping points to Zrinjiski Mostar, Villa still qualify to the knockout stages of the Conference League as top seed in the group with 13 points.
Zrinjiski Mostar crash out of Europe bottom of their group, after struggling to keep up amongst Europe’s most elite.
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