On 5 October, one of the matches of the Football Conference League took place. Aston Villa (England) and Zrinjski (Bosnia and Herzegovina) met.
Conference League
Aston Villa (England) - Zrinski (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 1:0 ( 0:0)
Goals: McGinn (90+4)
Warnings: McGinn (24), M. Cash (64), M. Ticinovic (64)
In a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League Conference match, Aston Villa faced Zrinjski at Villa Park. Both teams were keen to pick up a win and showcase their skills on the European stage. The first half was a tense struggle between the teams. Neither team managed to break the deadlock and the score stood at 0-0 at half-time. Nevertheless, the players gave their best, creating opportunities and scoring points. In the 22nd minute, Zrinjski player A. Hrvanovic received a yellow card - a warning gesture from the referee for a rough foul. Just two minutes later, Aston Villa player J. McGinn received a yellow card for a similar incident. The physicality of the match was evident, with players fighting for every centimetre of the pitch. At the start of the second half, both teams decided to make substitutions to freshen up the squads. A. Hrvanovic was replaced by M. Malekinusic, while Aston Villa replaced A. Hrvanovic and J. Duran with L. Digne and M. Cash respectively. О. Watkins was also replaced by J. Duran, while L. Digne and M. Cash replaced Aston Villa's O. O. Watkins was also replaced by J. Duran, and L. Dendonker came on the pitch instead of Douglas Luis.
In the 62nd minute Zrinjski made a second substitution, releasing A. Ivancic instead of Z. Kozul. The tactical changes were aimed at revitalising the teams and possibly creating a breakthrough. However, the match continued to be rife with violent clashes and yellow cards: in the 64th minute, M. Cash received one for Aston Villa and then M. Ticinovic for Zrinjski. Towards the end of the game Zrinjski made two more substitutions to try and equalise in the end. M. Ticinovic replaced K. Memija, and D. Kanadija was replaced by D. Zlomislic. Zlomislic. N. Bilbija came on the pitch instead of T. Kisa. On the other hand, Aston Villa replaced B. Traore with Diego Carlos in the 82nd minute. However, towards the end of the match Aston Villa managed to break the deadlock. In the 90th minute, J. McGinn scored the goal that eventually decided the outcome of the match. Despite the tense atmosphere and constant struggle between the teams, Aston Villa defeated Zrinski 1-0. The match showed the determination and skill of both teams who fought hard for the win. An exciting encounter took place at Villa Park, which will long be remembered by the fans of both teams.
In the next round the following matches await the rivals: AZ - Aston Villa, Zrinjski - Legia.
| Aston Villa | Zrinski | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Kicks to the goal | 1 |
| 26 | Blows | 3 |
| 9 | Blocked shots | 0 |
| 20 | Penalty kicks | 1 |
| 6 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 2 |
| 12 | Offences | 9 |
| 15 | Corner | 0 |
| 0 | Offsides | 1 |
| 75% | Ball possession | 25% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 1 | Keeper saves | 8 |
| 629 | Total assists | 218 |
| 560 | Accurate assists | 149 |
| 89% | Accuracy of passes | 68% |