Castro’s Clinical Finish Gives Bologna Narrow Lead Over Brann Before Second Leg

Key Takeaways:

• Santiago Castro’s 10th goal of the season delivered Bologna a 1-0 win over SK Brann in the first leg of their 2025/26 UEFA Europa League playoff
• Bologna extended their unbeaten run to eight matches following their result at Brann Stadion
• Bologna now have a prime opportunity to progress to their first European knockout stage since their 1998/99 UEFA Cup campaign

Match Analysis

Bologna claimed a vital 1-0 win over SK Brann in the opening leg of their 2025/26 UEFA Europa League playoff, with Santiago Castro’s decisive strike ensuring an aggregate lead as the tie heads to Italy. Having witnessed Inter’s defeat in Norway less than twenty-four hours earlier, Vincenzo Italiano’s men were clearly intent on making a statement from the outset.

This fixture was a stark contrast to the goalless league phase stalemate between the clubs. Just nine minutes into the contest, Castro notched his first UEFA Europa League goal this season, firing into the bottom corner from a narrow angle past Mathias Dyngeland. The early breakthrough gave Bologna control, but Brann worked patiently to register their first attempt on target.

Victory is ours! ❤️💙

We beat Brann in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs 💪#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/yp49CLFSZC

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) February 19, 2026

Goalkeepers Shine in Tempered Contest

Brann nearly drew level in the 24th minute when Ulrik Mathisen met a cross with a powerful header, seemingly destined to score. Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski produced a remarkable save, maintaining the visitors’ slender advantage before half-time. Skorupski’s intervention proved to be the only save required during the opening period, much to the disappointment of the home crowd at Brann Stadion.

At the interval, Italiano opted for tactical changes, introducing Thijs Dallinga and Riccardo Orsolini in place of Santiago Castro and Federico Bernardeschi. The reshuffle immediately gave Brann a foothold, as Skorupski was called into action to keep out Noah Holm shortly after the restart.

Second-Half Opportunities and Substitutes’ Impact

Bologna’s substitutes made a swift impression. Thijs Dallinga forced an excellent save from Dyngeland, preventing him from doubling the lead. Riccardo Orsolini followed up with a sharp shot from outside the area, again testing Dyngeland six minutes later. Dallinga continued to threaten the Brann goal, but Dyngeland denied him once more in the 74th minute.

Bologna’s well-organised defence and effective goalkeeping preserved their advantage through to full time, sealing a result that extends their unbeaten streak to eight matches (five wins, three draws) and hands them an aggregate lead ahead of the return fixture.

Statistical Summary

Looking Ahead

This result positions Bologna as favourites to reach the main knockout round of a European competition for the first time since their 1998/99 UEFA Cup campaign. Brann, however, remain well in contention ahead of the second leg, and will be aiming to reverse the deficit on Italian soil.