💥 Joao Mario scores as Bologna reach Europa League last 16, 1-0 🔥 | OneFootball

Bologna is back. Against Brann, they win—even while suffering in the first half—the return leg of the Europa League playoff and advance to the round of 16 of the competition.

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The match, influenced by Sorensen’s first-half sending off, was decided by Joao Mario. This marks the fourth consecutive victory for Vincenzo Italiano’s team.

Now they await the draw, which will pit them against Freiburg or Roma. The derby between the two Italian teams in the tournament is a very real possibility.

❌ Bologna creates but doesn’t double their lead: Dominguez hits the post

Bologna created a lot in the final part of the match, yet couldn’t capitalize.

The best chance came in the 92nd minute to Benja Dominguez, who, from an excellent position after a couple of feints, tried a low shot to the left of the goalkeeper and hit the post.

💥 First goal Joao Mario, 1-0 Bologna

In the 56th minute, Joao Mario broke the deadlock in Bologna-Brann, capping off 10 minutes of intense offensive pressure in which Lucumì had already come close to scoring.

Great volley finish from 14 meters out following a corner kick by the Portuguese player who arrived from Juventus in January, introducing himself to the fans in style.

🟥 BAD FOUL Sorensen, Brann down to 10 men

Bologna’s match was made easier by the numerical advantage, due to the straight red card shown to Sorensen.

The Norwegian team’s midfielder went in with his leg dangerously high on Freuler, and the point of contact was also high. It was an unintentional challenge, but the consequence was inevitably a red card.

📸 Bologna asks for a penalty: the incident

In the 22nd minute, Bologna protested, asking the referee for a penalty for handball.

On Bernardeschi’s cross, from very close range, Soltvedt deflected it with his elbow. The referee and VAR found no irregularity.

😬 Freuler saves on the line, Bologna under pressure

Bologna was under heavy pressure every time Brann managed to attack. In the 19th minute, Holm almost scored to make it 1-0, chipping Skorupski, but Freuler was providential in clearing the ball off the line.

🧤 SUPER Skorupski, Bologna scare

After just 5 minutes, following a corner, Thorsteinsson gave Bologna a scare. Great turn in the box by the striker, excellent reflexes from Skorupski who not only intervened but also managed to hold onto the ball.

🗣️ Di Vaio: "Castro is back, Orsolini unpredictable"

Before the Europa League match, sporting director Marco Di Vaio spoke to Sky Sport microphones.

"In our style of play, they are fundamental: Castro is back to his level, we hope Dallinga gets back too, because it’s essential to have rotation. Today we’ll be more ready and we’ve sent the message about what’s happening in Florence because Europe is a tough beast.

Italiano has done very well, even in choosing players like Odgaard who was our key. The system didn’t support three forwards, it was chosen to find solidity, and we’ll come out stronger if we can maintain continuity between today and Pisa. It gives us the strength to face matches in any way.

Orsolini is unpredictable. He’s a reference point on and off the pitch, but then on the bench there are also key players like Dominguez who is always ready. Our group is of good quality and everyone is important, Orso above all. We’re waiting for him as I expect a reaction from him because he’s aware he can be decisive at any moment."

✅ Official lineups

BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Skorupski; Joao Mario, Lucumi, Vitik, Zortea; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe. Coach: Vincenzo Italiano.

BRANN (4-3-3): Dyngeland; De Roeve, Pallesen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson. Coach: Alexandersson

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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