In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Bologna secured a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP in Lisbon, marking the end of their European campaign with a commendable performance. Despite being already eliminated from the competition, the Italian side showed resilience against a Sporting team desperate for victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The match began with Bologna displaying early promise, as Sam Beukema’s powerful header struck the crossbar. However, this bright start was marred by an injury to Lewis Ferguson, who was forced to leave the field after taking a corner kick.
Bologna’s persistence paid off when they took the lead through Tommaso Pobega. The midfielder capitalized on a well-executed set-piece, heading home from close range after Beukema’s clever flick-on from a corner.
Sporting, facing elimination, intensified their efforts to equalize. Conrad Harder emerged as their primary threat, testing Bologna’s goalkeeper Nicola Ravaglia with a challenging shot. The Portuguese side’s desperation grew as news of unfavorable results elsewhere filtered through, putting their tournament survival at stake.
The home team’s relentless pressure finally bore fruit in the latter stages of the match. Joao Simoes provided a crucial assist, setting up Conrad Harder for a simple tap-in at the near post, leveling the score and keeping Sporting’s slim hopes alive.
This draw concludes Bologna’s Champions League journey, following their historic first victory against Borussia Dortmund in the previous match. Despite the elimination, Bologna’s performance in Lisbon demonstrated their growth and competitiveness at the highest level of European football.
Goals: Pobega 21 (B), Harder 77 (S)
Sporting (4-3-3): Israel; Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Debast (50’ Simoes), Catamo; Trincao, Harder, Braganca (62’ Quenda)
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Holm (46’ Lykogiannis), Beukema (46’ Erlic), Casale, Miranda; Ferguson (10′ Moro), Pobega (Odgaard); Iling (79′ Dallinga), Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro.
