Dutch forward scores and assists, El Aynaoui shines as Roma secure crucial three points on Matchday 34
Roma delivered a composed and clinical performance at the Stadio Dall’Ara, defeating Bologna 2-0 and moving to within two points of the top four in Serie A. On Matchday 34, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side capitalized on an electric display from Donyell Malen, who proved decisive with a goal and an assist.
The Giallorossi wasted no time taking control. Just seven minutes in, a quick transition saw Wesley break forward before El Aynaoui threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Malen. The Dutch striker made no mistake one-on-one with Ravaglia, giving Roma the early lead with their first real attack.
Roma maintained control throughout the first half, showing confidence and structure both in possession and defensively. Their dominance paid off again in first-half stoppage time with a beautifully crafted second goal. Malen initiated the move with a clever backheel before receiving the ball again near the byline and delivering a precise outside-of-the-foot cross. El Aynaoui timed his run perfectly and tapped in to double the advantage.
Bologna struggled to respond. The Rossoblù lacked sharpness in the final third, with Santiago Castro largely ineffective before being substituted at halftime. Riccardo Orsolini provided the only real spark, forcing a save and later hitting the crossbar, but it wasn’t enough to trouble a well-organized Roma side.
In the second half, Bologna increased their intensity but failed to create clear-cut chances. Roma’s defensive trio—Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, and Mario Hermoso—remained solid throughout, while goalkeeper Mile Svilar was alert when called upon, particularly on attempts from Orsolini and Odgaard.
Roma managed the game efficiently in the closing stages, securing a vital victory that keeps their Champions League hopes alive. With rivals yet to play, the pressure now shifts to the teams above them in the standings.
Match Report
Bologna 0-2 Roma
Scorers: 7’ Malen, 45+1’ El Aynaoui
Bologna (3-4-3): Ravaglia; Heggem, Helland (77’ Vitik), Lucumí; João Mário (65’ De Silvestri), Ferguson, Freuler, Miranda (46’ Zortea); Orsolini (77’ Cambiaghi), Castro (46’ Odgaard), Rowe.
Head Coach: Italiano
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso (61’ Ghilardi); Çelik (46’ Rensch), Cristante, El Aynaoui, Wesley; Soulé (61’ Vaz), Pisilli (90+4’ Ziolkowski); Malen (77’ Dybala).
Head Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Di Bello
Bookings: Hermoso, Rensch, El Aynaoui
Red Cards: None
