Aston Villa hosted Bologna in a tightly contested UEFA Europa League match, securing a narrow 1-0 victory. Aston Villa demonstrated efficient finishing capabilities, especially with John McGinn opening the scoreline early in the match at the 12th minute. Despite only having four shots on target compared to Bologna's seven, Villa’s ability to convert opportunities into goals was pivotal. Their defence, supported by a disciplined midfield, effectively managed Bologna’s attacking thrusts throughout the game.

Statistically, Aston Villa’s defensive organization proved integral. Bologna’s attacking play was marred by inefficiency, taking a total of 17 shots with only seven hitting the target. Furthermore, Villa adeptly exploited Bologna’s vulnerability to offsides; the Italian side was caught offside nine times, severely disrupting their attacking momentum. Villa’s tactic of maintaining a high defensive line paid dividends, constantly suffocating Bologna’s forward plays and negating their potential goal-scoring opportunities.

Set-piece scenarios also highlighted Aston Villa’s strategic superiority, winning eight corners against Bologna’s three. This advantage was a testament to Villa's proactive play down the flanks and ability to generate pressure. Despite committing more fouls (16), Villa's discipline in key areas limited Bologna to fewer set-piece opportunities, minimizing their chances to capitalize. Additionally, both sides had two yellow cards each, indicating a match competitive in nature but controlled in aggression to avoid red cards that could have swayed the balance further.

The decisive factor was Villa's collective defensive solidity and strategic discipline, outplaying a Bologna team that was statistically more wasteful. The tactical approach to control the game without culminating into fouls in critical areas neutralized Bologna's advances. Overall, Aston Villa's performance exhibited a blend of opportunistic attacking and resilient defending, effectively managing the threats posed by Bologna, which ultimately ensured their narrow yet deserved victory.

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