Super John McGinn kick-starts Villa’s European campaign
Following the surprise defeat in the Europa Conference League opening game in Poland, Villa welcomed European football back to Villa Park with HŠK Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia and Herzegovina as the guests.
Mostar have been one of the top teams in Bosnia in recent years winning their league over the last two seasons. They are also the first side from their nation to make it to the group stage of a European Competition.
Manager Krunoslav Rendulić described the game as the biggest in the club’s history.
Match Report: Aston Villa 1-0 Zrinjski Mostar
Aston Villa made six changes to the side that beat Brighton 6-1 in the Premier League at the weekend. Clément Lenglet and Diego Carlos replaced Pau Torres and Matty Cash in the back line as Ezri Konsa was moved out to the right. Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker replaced Douglas Luiz and the injured Boubacar Kamara while Jhon Durán started up top as Ollie Watkins was dropped to the bench.
It was a frustrating night for the majority as the hosts as Villa struggled to break down the Bosnian champions. The visitors sat deep and looked to counter Villa when they could with the first real chances coming their way.
Antonio Ivančić attempted to lob Emiliano Martínez and then moments later the keeper had to parry away a shot from Nemanja Bilbija from a Mario Ćuže cross.
Villa had their chances also through Nicolò Zaniolo while John McGinn was booked for diving in an attempt to win Villa a penalty.
The hosts struggled in their opening European game and it was even more clear in the first half as they struggled to carve out many chances despite dominating.
Unai Emery opted to make three changes at half-time to add some bite as Douglas Luiz, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins were all introduced.
It appeared to have an impact as the Villa onslaught began, firstly as substitute Watkins picked out Diego Carlos only for the big defender to get it very wrong and head the ball wide of the goal.
Villa were then awarded a penalty when Cash picked out Watkins and his header smashed into the face of defender Slobodan Jakovljević as the referee blew up and pointed to the spot.
It was obviously a wrong decision (even from the stands) and VAR overturned the decision.
The visitors began to struggle as they were camped deep in their own half as Diego Carlos came close again but was denied by the keeper, Maric.
Tielemans and Zaniolo also came close with efforts but it was the captain who secured a win deep into extra time. Cash linked up with fellow substitute Bertrand Traore before crossing and picking out the Scotland midfielder who was able to head home from close range.
Villa Park erupted with celebrations and relief and the result leaves all four sides in the table level on points.