
UEFA Europa League
8:00 p.mFebruary 26, 2026
Round of 32

bologna*1 – 0
VAT:(0-0)
Added:(2-0)

fireRenato Dall’Ara
Referee: Benoît Bastien, France


bologna


fire
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.23
Expected Goals (xG)
0.51
Passing by
366 (82%)
Accurate passes
207 (69%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Lukasz Skorupski
7.9
d
Joao Mario
56′
26
d
John Lucumí
7.3
d
Martin Vitík
20
d
Born lucky
6.7
6
M
Nikola Moro
7.2
8
M
Remo Freuler
8.2
19
M
Lewis Ferguson (C)
6.9
11
F
Jonathan Rowe
6.3
9
F
Santiago Castro
6.6
F
Federico Bernardeschi
1
G
Mathias Dyngeland
7.2
17
d
Joachim Soltvedt
7.0
4
d
Nana Kwame Boakye – The Best of Nana Kwame Boakye
7.2
3
d
Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen (C)
6.0
21
d
Denzel De Roeve
7.7
8
M
Felix Horn Myhre
7.3
M
Jacob Lungi Sorensen
10
M
Kristall Mani Ingason
6.6
16
F
Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson
7.3
29
F
Noah Jean Holm
6.2
14
F
Ulrik Mathisen
6.5
trainer
Freyr Alexandersson

UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Bologna secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over ten-man Brann in the UEFA Europa League, with a second-half goal from João Mário proving decisive.
Bologna edged past Brann 1-0 in a tense Europa League clash at Renato Dall’Ara on 26 February 2026. João Mário’s second-half goal secured a vital win for the Rossoblù, who faced a tough match.
Coming into this match, Bologna tried to improve their position in the group stage. They had previously managed only one point in two games. Brann, meanwhile, were hoping to build on their win earlier in the competition, sitting on three points.
The game started with both teams fighting for control in midfield. The physicality was evident early in the first half. Bologna’s M. Vitik was shown a yellow card for a foul in the 28th minute, setting an aggressive tone.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 37th minute. Brann suffered a major setback when J. Sorensen received a red card for a serious foul. This left the Norwegian visitors with ten men, severely hampering their tactical plans.
Bologna took advantage of their numerical advantage before the break, aiming to exploit the extra player. However, they could not find an open one despite several forays forward. F. Bernardeschi also received a yellow card for Bologna in the 41st minute as the tension grew.
At the break, Bologna knew they needed to take advantage of their extra man. Brann, on the other hand, faced the daunting challenge of defending for an entire half with one player down. Tactical adjustments were crucial for both coaches during the interval.
The breakthrough finally came for Bologna in the 56th minute. João Mário emerged as the home team’s hero and scored a crucial goal. This raised the home crowd and put Bologna in a dominant position.
After the goal, both teams made tactical substitutions. Bologna brought on N. Casale for M. Vitik and R. Orsolini for F. Bernardeschi in the 61st minute. Brann also tried to adjust his setup, making three changes in the 73rd minute.
Brann’s R. Holten was shown a yellow card in the 78th minute as the away team continued to fight. Just two minutes later, Bologna’s R. Orsolini was also booked. The game remained a hard-fought game despite Bologna’s advantage.
Bologna finished with 61% possession and 16 shots in total, with 5 on target. Their expected goals (xG) stood at 1.23, reflecting their offensive pressure. Brann managed 7 shots and a 0.51 xG, a respectable effort given his disadvantage for much of the game.
This hard-fought 1-0 victory strengthens Bologna’s position in the Europa League group. They now have four points in three games. Brann, despite a brave defensive display, will be looking to bounce back in their next game.

