In a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, Bologna secured their first-ever victory in the competition with a remarkable 2-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund.
The match began with Serhou Guirassy converting a Panenka-style penalty after a controversial shirt pull by Emil Holm, giving Dortmund an early lead. Despite Bologna’s early struggles, the home team displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match.
The turning point came in a breathtaking 60-second spell late in the game. Thijs Dallinga equalized for Bologna, sweeping in a precise shot from six yards out after a brilliant pass from Charalampos Lykogiannis. Moments later, Samuel Iling-Junior completed the comeback, scoring from close range after Dallinga’s initial shot was parried by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Bologna’s victory, while mathematically eliminating them from Champions League qualification, provides a significant morale boost for the team. The win comes at a crucial time for coach Vincenzo Italiano, who has been working to rebuild the team’s confidence after a challenging start to the season.
For Borussia Dortmund and coach Nuri Şahin, the defeat represents a critical moment in their campaign. Having already struggled domestically with three consecutive Bundesliga losses, this European setback could potentially spell the end of Şahin’s tenure.
Goals: Guirassy pen 15 (D), Dallinga 71 (B), Iling-Junior 72 (B)
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Beukema, Lucumì (63′ Casale), Lykogiannis; Freuler (46′ Odgaard), Pobega; Orsolini (34′ Iling Jr), Ferguson, Ndoye; Castro (63′ Dallinga).
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schotterbeck; Duranville (63′ Adeyemi); Gross (75′ Couto), Nmecha, Gittens; Beier, Reyna (64′ Can); Guirassy (75’Brandt).
