Bologna progressed to the Europa League last 16 with a 1-0 home win over Brann (2-0 agg) thanks to João Mário’s 56th-minute strike after Jacob Sørensen’s 37' red card. Skorupski made key saves. Betting angle: favour Bologna to progress or win at short odds and consider “Under 2.5 goals” or “Bologna clean sheet” markets given their control and tight margins across both legs.
Bologna 1-0 Brann — Match Report: Joao Mário seals last-16 place
Match summary
Bologna reached the Europa League Round of 16 after a 1-0 victory over SK Brann at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. João Mário’s powerful half-volley on 56 minutes proved decisive. The result completed a 2-0 aggregate win following a 1-0 first-leg victory in Norway. Brann were reduced to 10 men when Jacob Sørensen was sent off for a high studs-first challenge on Remo Freuler just before half-time.
Key moments
Skorupski produced a spectacular reaction save early to deny Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson. Brann then had another clear chance but saw Noah Holm’s effort smothered on the line. Sørensen’s red card in the 37th minute swung momentum to Bologna, though Brann still tested the keeper with a long-range curler. After the break, sustained Bologna pressure culminated in João Mário’s finish from 14 yards. Substitutes and frantic late efforts failed to alter the scoreline.
Tactical takeaways
Bologna controlled possession (around 61%) and probed down the flanks, using Rowe and Orsolini to stretch Brann’s backline. The red card forced Brann into a more compact, counter-reliant setup that limited clear-cut chances after the interval. Skorupski’s early saves and a sturdy defensive block helped preserve the clean sheet that ultimately decided the tie.
Standout performers
- João Mário: decisive finish and intelligent positioning after the break. - Lukasz Skorupski: crucial early saves that kept Brann at bay. - Remo Freuler: important defensive recoveries and midfield control.
Betting implications
Bologna’s win and overall control across both legs strengthen their short-odds favouritism for future knockout ties. Punters could back Bologna to progress in similar matchups and consider markets such as “Bologna to win” or “Bologna to qualify.” Given the low margins in both games, markets like “Under 2.5 goals” or “Bologna clean sheet” may also offer value depending on odds.
Stats, score and consequences
Final score: Bologna 1-0 Brann (2-0 aggregate)
Goal: João Mário 56'
Sent off: Jacob Sørensen 37' (Brann)
Possession: Bologna ~61% — Brann ~39%
Shots (approx): Bologna 16 — Brann 7; Shots on target: 3 each
Next: Bologna will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16 (draw held on February 27).
Starting lineups (highlights)
Bologna: Lukasz Skorupski; Jhon Lucumí; Martin Vitík; João Mário; Nadir Zortea; Jonathan Rowe; Lewis Ferguson; Nikola Moro; Federico Bernardeschi; Santiago Castro; (substitute appearance: Riccardo Orsolini).
Brann: Mathias Dyngeland; Denzel De Roeve; Jacob Sørensen (sent off); Felix Horn Myhre; Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson; Noah Holm; Kristáll Máni Ingason; (substitutes: Benja Domínguez, Rasmus Holten).
What it means
Bologna’s composed, professional performance under pressure sees them into the Europa League last 16. The combination of defensive resilience and a reliable goalkeeper allowed them to convert control into progression — a blueprint that will be tested again against higher-ranked opposition in the next round.
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Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16 after another 1-0 victory over...
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