Key Takeaways:
- Bologna sealed a 1-0 win over SK Brann at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara last night, advancing to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League
- The Italian side have now gone 28 home European knockout matches unbeaten
- Brann finished the match with ten men after Jacob Sorensen received a straight red card shortly before half time
Match Analysis
Bologna reinforced their formidable home record in European knockout fixtures, stretching their unbeaten run to 28 matches at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with a narrow 1-0 triumph over SK Brann. Adding to their 1-0 victory in Norway the previous week, the Rossoblù completed a 2-0 aggregate success, booking their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Despite arriving on the back of a six-match winless streak in all competitions, Brann started strongly and threatened to upset the Italian hosts during the first half. Lukasz Skorupski was called into action early, producing a superb save from Jón Thorsteinsson and then rushing out to deny Noah Holm, before Remo Freuler made a crucial goal-line clearance. Brann continued to carve out opportunities as Ulrik Mathisen fired wide after skilful work in the area.
𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 ✅🔥
João Mario's strike secures the win and takes us through to the #UEL Round of 16! ❤️💙#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/fkXBTiFC2q
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) February 26, 2026
Bologna struggled to convert their territorial advantage into genuine chances until the tie turned less than ten minutes before the break: Jacob Sorensen was dismissed for a high challenge on Freuler, which left the visitors down to ten men. Nonetheless, Brann remained dangerous and nearly took the lead, as Thorsteinsson forced an excellent leaping save from Skorupski just before half time.
Second-Half Developments
After the interval, Brann shifted to a counter-attacking approach while Bologna took control of possession. The Norwegian side, however, could not replicate their earlier attacking threat. Bologna grew more comfortable, and although Mathias Dyngeland did well to tip Jhon Lucumí’s header over the bar, it was only a temporary reprieve. Moments later, Brann were unable to clear Rowe’s cross effectively; Joao Mario took full advantage, controlling the loose ball before firing a volley into the corner to put the tie beyond doubt.
Riccardo Orsolini, introduced from the bench, added further impetus for the hosts but was unable to further extend the margin. Bologna’s two-goal cushion across the tie allowed them to manage the closing stages with composure, securing safe passage to the round of 16 where they will face either AS Roma or SC Freiburg.
Statistical Summary
| Team | Score (Second Leg) | Aggregate Score | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| SK Brann | 0 | 0 | 1 (Jacob Sorensen) |
Looking Ahead
The Norwegian side’s struggles in European knockout football endure, as they have now won just once in thirteen such matches. Brann will shift focus to domestic matters, preparing for the start of their top-flight campaign in March. Meanwhile, Bologna await the draw for the next round, with confidence buoyed by their ongoing home resilience and their progress through the knockout stages.
