Despite being down to ten men for over seventy minutes, Bologna fight bravely and earn a goalless draw against Brann in the Europa League.
At the Dall’Ara, Bologna showed heart and resilience to secure a 0–0 draw against Norwegian side Brann, despite playing most of the match a man down. The red card to Lykogiannis in the 23rd minute changed the game’s balance, but Thiago Italiano’s men refused to give in, creating several chances and even coming close to snatching all three points late on.
The home side started brightly, pressing high and forcing Brann to defend deep. Cambiaghi tested Dyngeland early, but midway through the first half Bologna were reduced to ten when Lykogiannis brought down Kornvig and saw red. From that moment, the match became a test of grit and organization.
Brann tried to take control, but struggled to turn possession into real danger. Sorensen went closest for the visitors with a shot just wide of the post, while Bologna stayed compact and looked for counterattacks.
After the break, the pattern remained the same: Brann circulated the ball, Bologna countered with pace. Cambiaghi missed the best chance of the match in the 67th minute, failing to hit the target on a fine assist from Castro. Dragsnes then responded with a curling effort over the bar for the Norwegians.
In the final ten minutes, Bologna pushed hard for a winner despite fatigue. Ferguson was denied from close range, Miranda’s rebound was blocked, and Lucumì — heroic all evening — nearly found the net with a header. The final whistle sealed a valuable point earned through character and defensive discipline.
Lucumì was immense at the back, Cambiaghi lively up front, while Ferguson’s work rate in midfield symbolized Bologna’s fighting spirit.
Match Report
UEFA Europa League – Group Stage
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Bologna)
Scorers: None
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Heggem, Lucumì, Lykogiannis; Moro (81′ Pobega), Ferguson; Bernardeschi (75′ Orsolini), Fabbian (29′ Miranda), Cambiaghi (75′ Odgaard); Castro (82′ Dallinga).
Coach: Italiano
Brann (4-3-3): Dyngeland; De Roeve (75′ Pedersen), Helland, Sery Larsen, Dragsnes; Kornvig, Sorensen, Gudmundsson; Mathisen (61′ Hansen), Finne (61′ Castro), Haaland (75′ Lagreid).
Coach: Alexandersson
Referee: Schlager (Austria)
Bookings: Miranda (Bologna), Helland (Brann), Ferguson (Bologna)
Sent off: Lykogiannis (Bologna, 23’)
