Rowe shines, Pellegrini and Robinio Vaz spark Roma comeback, but Cambiaghi’s extra-time winner seals Bologna’s place in the Europa League quarterfinals.
Bologna edged Roma 4–3 after extra time in a thrilling Europa League clash at the Stadio Olimpico, booking their place in the quarterfinals after a dramatic seven-goal battle.
Following the 1–1 draw in the first leg, the return fixture delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the European season, with momentum swinging wildly before Riccardo Cambiaghi’s extra-time strike decided the tie.
Roma were forced into an early change when Koné went off injured, making way for Lorenzo Pellegrini—an introduction that would prove pivotal. However, it was Bologna who struck first in the 22nd minute, as Samuel Rowe produced a stunning right-footed finish into the top corner, leaving Mile Svilar with no chance.
Roma responded quickly. Pellegrini hit the crossbar with a free kick before delivering a corner that found Evan Ndicka, who headed home to make it 1–1.
Despite Roma’s resurgence, Bologna regained the lead just before halftime. Zortea was brought down in the box by Stephan El Shaarawy, and Federico Bernardeschi calmly converted the resulting penalty to give the visitors a 2–1 advantage.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Roma controlled possession, but Bologna remained more clinical. In the 58th minute, a high press led by Rowe resulted in Santiago Castro firing home to make it 3–1, seemingly putting the tie beyond Roma’s reach.
However, the match took another dramatic turn in the final 20 minutes. Robinio Vaz, introduced from the bench, immediately changed the game. The young forward won a penalty after being fouled by Remo Freuler, and Donyell Malen converted to bring Roma back into the contest.
Moments later, Vaz continued to cause problems, and Pellegrini eventually equalized in the 80th minute with a precise left-footed strike from the edge of the box, making it 3–3 and sending the Olimpico into eruption.
Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, but the match went into extra time.
In the additional period, fatigue set in, and the pace slowed. Bologna dropped deeper, while Roma searched for openings. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute: Thijs Dallinga held up a long ball and played it into the path of Cambiaghi, who finished with a precise left-footed shot into the corner to secure a dramatic 4–3 victory.
The goal proved decisive, sending Bologna through to the Europa League quarterfinals and capping a memorable European night.
Match Report
Roma 3-4 Bologna (AET)
Goals:
22’ Rowe (Bologna), 32’ Ndicka (Roma), 45+2’ Bernardeschi (pen.) (Bologna), 58’ Castro (Bologna), 69’ Malen (pen.) (Roma), 80’ Pellegrini (Roma), 111’ Cambiaghi (Bologna)
Roma (3-4-1-2):
Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik (109’ Zaragoza), Koné (20’ Pellegrini), Pisilli (104’ El Aynaoui), Wesley; Cristante; El Shaarawy (57’ Robinio Vaz), Malen.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Bologna (4-3-3):
Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik (73’ Casale), Lucumi, Joao Mario; Ferguson, Freuler (114’ Heggem), Pobega (90’ Moro); Bernardeschi (79’ Orsolini), Castro (73’ Dallinga), Rowe (73’ Cambiaghi).
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano
Referee: Kovacs
Yellow Cards: Vitik, Celik, Zortea, Lucumi, Freuler, Ferguson, Mancini
Red Cards: None
