Bologna and AS Roma played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League first leg, with substitutes making a decisive impact.
Bologna and AS Roma battled to a 1-1 draw in a compelling UEFA Europa League clash on March 12, 2026. Federico Bernardeschi gave the home side the lead. Lorenzo Pellegrini then leveled for Roma, setting up a tense second leg.
Entering this knockout stage encounter, both Italian clubs harbored strong European ambitions. Bologna aimed to leverage home advantage. AS Roma sought a crucial away goal to take back to the Stadio Olimpico.
The game began with intense pressing. Bologna's Juan Miranda received a yellow card in the 13th minute. Roma's Wesley Franca followed with a booking just two minutes later. The first half was a tactical battle with few clear chances.
The half-time whistle blew with the score still goalless. Managers considered tactical adjustments. Bologna sought more penetration. Roma aimed to unleash their offensive potential after the break.
The second period started quickly. Bologna's Joao Mario was shown a yellow card in the 47th minute. Just three minutes later, in the 50th minute, Federico Bernardeschi broke the deadlock for the home side with an excellent finish.
Bernardeschi netted for Bologna, guiding home an effort after sharp setup play from Jonathan Rowe. The goal ignited the home crowd, giving Bologna a vital lead in the tie.
Roma responded with renewed urgency and attacking substitutions. In the 71st minute, impact substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini equalized for AS Roma. He tucked away a clinical finish after receiving a precise pass from Donyell Malen.
The equalizer silenced the home fans, swinging momentum towards the visitors. Both sides pushed for a winner in the final twenty minutes. Bologna's defence, however, stood firm against Roma's late charges.
The statistics highlighted an evenly matched contest. Both teams finished with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.36. Bologna registered 11 total shots with four on target, while Roma managed eight total shots with two on target.
Bologna held 52% possession to Roma's 48%. Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar made three crucial saves. His interventions proved vital for the Giallorossi to secure the draw.
This 1-1 draw leaves the UEFA Europa League tie perfectly poised for the second leg. AS Roma secured a valuable away goal. Bologna will travel to Rome confident of progression, promising another captivating encounter.
