Aston Villa picked up a 1-1 draw at Zrinjski on Thursday evening, securing top spot in Group E of the Europa Conference League in the process.
It was a quiet encounter as neither side created much in the first half, but Nicolo Zaniolo eventually found a breakthrough to register his first goal for the club.
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With Villa only needing a point to secure top spot, and therefore skipping the playoffs round, it looked as though we were set for a fifth consecutive win in Europe, but a fine late strike earned the hosts a draw.
Villa will now await the draw to determine who we’ll face next year in the round of 16, but it’s an important objective achieved as we advance to the knockout stage of the competition and won’t have to return to European action until March 7 and 14, with the draw set to take place on February 23.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Zrinjski:
Filip Marschall, 6.5 – Great to see the young goalkeeper get some senior experience. Looked assured for the most part and swept up well when racing off his line. Had a wobbly few minutes towards the end of the game, but an important learning experience for him.
Matty Cash, 6 – Wasn’t quite as sharp as we needed him to be in possession, but put in a solid shift in both phases as we ultimately got the job done.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Offered his usual composure and accuracy while playing out from the back, and didn’t ever really look troubled when dealing with Zrinjski’s attack.
Pau Torres, 6.5 – Played a key role in trying to build out from defence with the hosts playing so deep. Was in control defensively, and offered a key dynamic as he progressed up the pitch.
Alex Moreno, 6 – Another important run out for the Spaniard as he continues to build his fitness and sharpness ahead of another likely start on Sunday. Showed glimpses of his quality down the left, but was a difficult night as Villa didn’t really click into gear.
Nicolo Zaniolo, 7.5 – Brilliant to see him get on the scoresheet finally, and it’s hopefully a key moment for him in a Villa shirt if he can back it up and go on a decisive run. Tried his luck on goal a few times as he attempted to make something happen, before taking his goal really well with a lovely touch and finish.
Leander Dendoncker, 6 – Steady shift in midfield, particularly given his lack of football this season. Not quite as impressive as he was when he came on and did a job for us against Arsenal, but an important run out nonetheless.
Douglas Luiz, 6.5 – Got the nod given his upcoming Premier League suspension, and he did well in ticking things over for us. A difficult night given Zrinjski’s desire to defend deep and in numbers, and so he struggled to penetrate that rearguard either with his passing or runs forward.
Jacob Ramsey, 6 – Quiet in his first start of the season, but much like others, it was an important game for him to get minutes, build his fitness and sharpness back up as he searches for his best form.
Moussa Diaby, 6 – Squandered a decent chance in the first half in a rare opening that we created, and it was a frustrating evening in general as he couldn’t really be decisive in the final third. Hopefully an opportunity for him to build understanding and chemistry with some of his teammates though.
Jhon Duran, 6 – Worked hard throughout as he provided good movement off the ball, and he did have the odd chance to make a bigger impact. Wasn’t his night in front of goal though, but crucial that we were able to rotate and rest Ollie Watkins.
Substitutes:
John McGinn, 7 – Great impact off the bench as he was immediately into the game with an assist for Zaniolo’s goal. Worked hard for the team thereafter too as we got the result we needed.
Lucas Digne, 6 – Decent shift as he slotted in at left-back and helped us maintain our rhythm and balance.
Diego Carlos, 6 – Nothing much of note, but looked composed and calm as he dealt with attacks and moved us up the pitch.
Calum Chambers, 6 – A rare outing for him but good to see him get some minutes and stay involved with the rest of the squad.
Tommi O’Reilly, N/A – Delighted to see him get his senior debut as he hopefully has a bright future in a Villa shirt ahead of him. Got involved in play on a few occasions but difficult to do much more in a scrappy and tight game.
