The first leg ends level after a lively second half, setting up a decisive showdown at the Olimpico.
Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma drew 1-1 in the first leg of their clash in the UEFA Europa League, leaving qualification to be decided in the return match in Rome.
After a dull first half, the game came alive after the break with goals from Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Pellegrini in an evenly contested encounter.
Slow First Half
The opening period offered little excitement, with both teams struggling to create clear chances.
Roma came closest in the 20th minute during a counterattack led by Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward released Zaragoza, but the Spaniard’s right-footed effort drifted just wide of the post.
Bologna’s best moment arrived near halftime when Bernardeschi attempted a curling shot, only to be denied by an excellent save from Mile Svilar.
The teams headed to the locker room with the score still level and the match lacking rhythm.
Bernardeschi Breaks Through
The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half.
In the 50th minute, Bernardeschi found space near the edge of the box and unleashed a precise left-footed strike that flew into the top corner beyond Svilar, giving Bologna the lead.
Roma responded quickly, driven largely by the energy of Malen, who twice struck the woodwork during dangerous counterattacks.
Pellegrini Equalizes
The equalizer arrived in the 71st minute after a costly defensive mistake.
João Mário misjudged a high ball inside the box, allowing Bryan Cristante and Malen to combine before Lorenzo Pellegrini finished into an open net.
Roma nearly completed the comeback shortly afterward, but Malen once again struck the post.
Bologna had the final chance when Vitík headed against the crossbar late in the match following a shaky clearance from the Roma defense.
With the tie perfectly balanced, everything will be decided in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.
Match Report
Bologna 1-1 Roma
Scorers:
50’ Bernardeschi (Bologna)
71’ Pellegrini (Roma)
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; João Mario (85’ Zortea), Casale (85’ Vitik), Lucumí, Miranda (79’ Lykogiannis); Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro (79’ Dallinga), Rowe (71’ Cambiaghi).
Head Coach: Italiano
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Celik (66’ Hermoso); Rensch (59’ Tsimikas), Pisilli, El Aynaoui (66’ Pellegrini), Wesley; Zaragoza (46’ Robinio Vaz), Cristante; Malen.
Head Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Jablonski
Bookings: Miranda (Bologna), Wesley (Roma), João Mario (Bologna), Casale (Bologna), Cristante (Roma)
