Europa League | Bologna 1-1 Freiburg – Honours even as Rossoblu withstand pressure | OneFootball

Bologna may count themselves a little lucky to come away with a point in this evening’s 1-1 draw with Freiburg. After a strong start to the game, the Serie A side lost their footing and the German side fought their way back into the game.

The Rossoblu started brightly, keeping the ball well and forcing an early corner, though they struggled to create clear chances in the opening stages.

Freiburg grew into the game, with Matthias Ginter shooting wide and Philipp Lienhart heading over from set pieces. The visitors then went close twice in quick succession, forcing Lukasz Skorupski into two sharp saves as Bologna’s defence looked momentarily shaken.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Patrick Osterhage of SC Freiburg competes for the ball with Santiago Castro of Bologna FC during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Bologna FC 1909 and SC Freiburg at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on October 02, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Italiano’s side responded well, however, and found the breakthrough in the 30th minute. Nicolò Cambiaghi’s effort was parried by the Freiburg goalkeeper but Orsolini reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and give the hosts the lead.

From there, Bologna looked far more composed, holding a compact defensive line and seeing out the remainder of the half with confidence.

A tale of two halves as Bologna struggle against Freiburg

The second half proved far more difficult for Bologna, who ultimately saw their early lead cancelled out by Freiburg.

The visitors came out stronger after the break and were handed a golden opportunity to equalise in the 56th minute. Santiago Castro was penalised for a handball in the box, allowing Junior Adamu to step up and convert from the spot, drawing Freiburg level. The incident also saw Lukasz Skorupski booked for dissent.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach 1909, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC  at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

From there, the German side grew in confidence, forcing a flurry of corners and testing Bologna’s backline repeatedly. Skorupski was called into action again with a fine save from substitute Derry Scherhant, while Beste’s follow-up was smothered.

Vincenzo Italiano’s men struggled to regain control, with Freiburg looking the likelier to find a winner. Substitutes Bernardeschi, Dalinga and Miranda gave Bologna fresh legs, but the Rossoblù created little going forward. Odgaard’s late strike over the bar was the closest they came as the game ended level.

Both teams share a point in the Europa League table.

You can follow all the action as it happened on our LiveBlog.