Bologna defeated Roma 4-3 after extra time in a dramatic Europa League clash, sealing a 5-4 aggregate win to reach their first European quarter-final since 1999.
Bologna booked their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since the 1998/99 season after a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, sealing a 5-4 aggregate triumph in an unforgettable round of 16 encounter.
QUARTER-FINALISTS.#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/J3V2w1vnzp
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) March 19, 2026
Roma started brightly and dominated possession in the early stages, looking the more dangerous side. However, against the run of play, Bologna struck first in the 22nd minute through Jonathan Rowe, who capped a brilliant team move with a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.
The hosts responded with intent and found their equalizer shortly after the half-hour mark. Lorenzo Pellegrini initially tested the goalkeeper with a long-range free-kick before turning provider from the resulting corner, which Evan Ndicka headed home to bring Roma level.
Just when it seemed the sides would head into the break on equal terms, Bologna regained the lead in stoppage time. Federico Bernardeschi calmly converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Stephan El Shaarawy on Nadir Zortea inside the box.
Roma’s task grew even tougher early in the second half when a defensive lapse allowed Santiago Castro to pounce on a loose ball and fire past the goalkeeper, extending Bologna’s advantage both on the night and on aggregate.
Despite struggling to create clear chances, Roma were handed a lifeline with just over 20 minutes remaining. Remo Freuler conceded a penalty after bringing down Robinio Vaz, and Donyell Malen made no mistake from the spot to reignite the contest.
The goal sparked renewed energy from the hosts, and they dramatically leveled the tie late in normal time when Pellegrini struck from the edge of the box, sending the match into extra time with the aggregate score finely balanced.
With both teams cautious in extra time, it was Bologna who found the decisive moment. Nicolò Cambiaghi latched onto a through ball from Thijs Dallinga and squeezed his shot past the goalkeeper to seal a famous win. The result sets up a quarter-final clash with Aston Villa, while Roma’s struggles continue with a fifth consecutive winless outing across all competitions.
Back to Brum ✈️
And we’re looking forward to hosting the Villans at our place this time too! 🤝#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/nLl0jS9HHC
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) March 20, 2026
