Roma Bologna Europa League Last-16 Draw Keeps Tie Open As Pellegrini Shines

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Lorenzo Pellegrini stepped off the bench to rescue Roma, scoring a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Bologna in the Europa League last-16 first leg. Federico Bernardeschi had earlier put Bologna in front, leaving the all-Italian tie finely balanced before the return at Stadio Olimpico.

Pellegrini’s influence in limited minutes stood out. Roma created chances throughout, yet needed one composed finish to avoid defeat. The substitute found space in the area and calmly struck into an empty goal, ensuring Gian Piero Gasperini’s side travel back to Rome level on aggregate.

The first half developed into a test of Roma’s defence on the road. Bryan Zaragoza led one swift break and drove a low shot across goal, narrowly wide of the far post. Bologna grew stronger before the interval and increasingly pushed Roma back towards their own penalty area.

Bologna continued that pressure with Bernardeschi central to their threat. Bernardeschi saw a driven cross blocked by Mile Svilar at the near post. Soon after, Bernardeschi cut inside and curled towards the far corner, drawing a full-stretch save from the Roma goalkeeper to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough came on 50 minutes. Bernardeschi found space unmarked on the right side of the box. Bernardeschi then shaped a left-footed shot beyond Svilar, bending the ball into the far corner. Roma’s defence switched off briefly, and Bologna punished that lapse with clinical precision.

Donyell Malen almost extended the lead, rattling the woodwork with a powerful effort. Soon after, Tommaso Pobega went clean through on Svilar but delayed his finish and wasted the one-on-one chance. Roma capitalised when Pellegrini arrived unmarked to guide the ball into an unguarded net without pressure.

Roma pushed for a winner as Malen had another effort cleared off the line. Bologna also threatened again. Martin Vitik rose highest from a late cross and beat Svilar, but Vitik’s header struck the crossbar. Both sides then settled for a draw, leaving the contest delicately set.

Europa League: Roma vs Bologna stats and other last-16 first legs

Roma’s equaliser matched Pellegrini’s numbers. Pellegrini attempted only one shot yet posted the highest individual expected goals figure of 0.67. During a 25-minute appearance, Pellegrini also created two chances, underlining a decisive impact in a match where Roma often trailed in momentum.

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Bologna carry encouraging form into the second leg. Bologna have lost only one of the last seven meetings with Roma in all competitions, winning three and drawing three. Bologna are also unbeaten in 10 Europa League fixtures, with six wins and four draws during that sequence.

Elsewhere in the Europa League, Panathinaikos hold a 1-0 advantage over Real Betis. Vicente Taborda converted a late penalty, and both teams had a player sent off, finishing with 10 on each side. Porto also lead their tie after first-half goals from Terem Moffi and Rodrigo Mora beat Stuttgart 2-1.

The first-leg results leave Roma and Bologna level, while Panathinaikos and Porto carry narrow leads. Roma must now turn Pellegrini’s away goal and influence into progress at Stadio Olimpico. Bologna, in strong recent form, travel knowing a score draw or victory in Rome will be enough.