Despite repeated comebacks from Roma, which forced an exhilarating 3-3 draw at the Stadio Olimpico, Bologna ultimately triumphed on aggregate (5-4) in a thrilling Italian derby, securing their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals against Aston Villa.
The first leg had concluded in a 1-1 stalemate, setting the stage for a high-stakes second leg. Roma faced challenges with key players such as Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk, and Evan Ferguson sidelined due to injury, and Lorenzo Venturino also unavailable for UEFA competition. Bologna, entering the match with two draws in their last four outings, also had a change in goal, with Federico Ravaglia replacing the injured Lukasz Skorupski. Notably, the Stadio Olimpico holds positive memories for Bologna, having lifted the Coppa Italia trophy there just last season.
The match began with intense action. Santiago Castro initiated a swift counter-attack for Bologna, though his shot was deflected wide by Zeki Celik. Roma then suffered an early setback when Manu Koné was forced off the field with a muscular issue, requiring an immediate substitution. Bologna capitalized soon after, taking the lead through Jonathan Rowe’s powerful strike from the edge of the area. Roma protested, claiming a foul on Gianluca Mancini during the build-up. Roma responded vigorously; after Mile Svilar made a crucial one-handed save from Federico Bernardeschi’s angled drive and Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free-kick rattled the top of the upright, Evan Ndicka headed in the equalizer from a subsequent corner. However, Bologna regained their lead just before half-time when Stephan El Shaarawy’s foul on Nadir Zortea resulted in a penalty, which Bernardeschi calmly converted.
After the restart, Donyell Malen tested Ravaglia from the edge of the box, but Bologna further extended their advantage. Jonathan Rowe skillfully fought past Bryan Cristante and Ndicka to set up Santiago Castro, who unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. Roma, however, refused to yield. They were awarded a penalty when Remo Freuler pressured Robinio Vaz, and Malen expertly dispatched it into the bottom corner, beating Ravaglia. Moments later, after Ravaglia denied a Pellegrini free-kick, Pellegrini himself scored the equalizer for Roma, finding the far bottom corner with a precise left-footed strike, bringing the score to a dramatic 3-3.
Neither side could find a decisive goal in regular time, sending the enthralling contest into extra time. Ravaglia was immediately called into action, flying to tip a fierce Zeki Celik shot from under the bar. Bologna then scored what would prove to be the winning goal: Nicolò Cambiaghi executed a quick give-and-go with Thijs Dallinga, broke into the box, and fired a precise shot that rolled across the line off the inside of the near post. In the dying moments, Roma’s Vaz appealed for a penalty, but replays indicated he had tugged on Lucumi’s shirt, and the referee waved play on. Bologna held on to celebrate a hard-fought victory and their progression to the next round.
Final Score: Roma 3-4 Bologna aet (4-5 agg)
Goal Scorers:
- Rowe 22′ (Bologna)
- Ndicka 32′ (Roma)
- Bernardeschi pen 45+2′ (Bologna)
- Castro 58′ (Bologna)
- Malen pen 69′ (Roma)
- Pellegrini 80′ (Roma)
- Cambiaghi 111′ (Bologna)
Match Statistics Summary:
Roma dominated possession with 61% and had more total shots (24 vs 14), but Bologna proved more clinical, registering 9 shots on target compared to Roma’s 7. Corners were 8 for Roma and 4 for Bologna, while fouls were 21 for Roma and 27 for Bologna.
