The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 delivered exactly what was promised: intensity, tactical drama, and a result that leaves everything on the line.
At a raucous Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna and AS Roma played out a gritty 1-1 draw, ensuring the battle for a Quarter-Final spot will be decided in the capital.
In a match defined by second-half swings, it was a tale of two veterans: a "magical" opener from Federico Bernardeschi and a clinical response from Roma’s captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Bernardeschi Breaks the Deadlock
After a cagey first half where Mile Svilar produced a world-class fingertip save to deny a curling effort, Bologna finally broke through in the 50th minute.
The goal was a moment of pure quality. Jonathan Rowe, who plagued Roma’s right flank all evening, rode two challenges before spreading the ball to Federico Bernardeschi. The Italian winger didn't hesitate, sweeping a first-time left-footed strike into the far top corner from 13 yards. It was his fourth Europa League goal of the season and a reminder of why he’s become the heartbeat of Vincenzo Italiano’s side.
The Pellegrini Response
Roma’s reaction was slow initially, and they were lucky not to be 2-0 down when Tommaso Pobega spurned a golden one-on-one opportunity. But Gian Piero Gasperini—back on the Roma bench—turned to his captain in the 67th minute, and the gamble paid off almost instantly.
In the 71st minute, Donyell Malen outmuscled the Bologna defense and rolled a perfect ball across the face of the goal. Lorenzo Pellegrini, arriving late and unmarked, prodded the ball into the vacant net to silence the Dall'Ara.
Stat Attack: Despite playing only 25 minutes, Pellegrini recorded the highest xG on the pitch (0.67), proving his "clutch" status hasn't faded.
Woodwork Woes & Defensive Grit
The final ten minutes were pure chaos.
Malen nearly turned the game on its head, but his slaloming run ended with a shot that rattled the base of the upright.
gna thought they had snatched it in the 89th minute when Martin Vitik met a free-kick with a thumping header, only to see it crash off the crossbar.
The Verdict: 50/50 Heading to the Olimpico
Bologna will feel they were the better side on the night, but Roma’s resilience—despite missing key stars like Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné through injury—gives them a slight psychological edge heading back to the Stadio Olimpico.
"I would say 51% Roma and 49% us, only because of the atmosphere they will have at home," Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano admitted after the whistle. For Gasperini, the message was simpler: "Leave Pellegrini alone. He delivered when it mattered."