In the first 45 minutes of the game, the guests had the field-initiative and had more ball possession, but there were no major scoring opportunities and the nets were still.
Aston Villa took the lead in the 61st minute. John McGinn sent the ball from the left side into Zrinjski’s penalty area for Nicolo Zaniolo, who scored a goal for 0:1.
After the conceded goal, “Noblemen” also played more openly, and after missed opportunities by Josip Ćorluka and Aldin Hrvanović, they managed to equalize in the 87th minute. Matija Malekinušić made an excellent shot from the edge of the penalty area and scored an effective goal for 1:1.
Head coach Mario Ivanković fielded the following line-up today: Marko Marić, Kerim Memija (67th, Aldin Hrvanović), Stipe Radić, Slobodan Jakovljević, Josip Ćorluka, Damir Zlomislić, Antonio Ivančić, Dario Čanađija (33rd, Tomislav Kiš), Marijo Ćuže (67th, Franko Sabljić), Nemanja Bilbija, Matija Malekinušić (90th+2, Luka Marin).
In the second match of the group, Legia beat AZ Alkmaar 2:0 in Warsaw.
Zrinjski’s first appearance in the group stage of the European competition ended with 4 points. The first place in group E was taken by Aston Villa with 13 points, Legia is second with 12, and third place AZ Alkmaar won 6 points.
PHOTO: HŠK Zrinjski/Facebook
