Milan, January 21 (LaPresse) – Bologna finally breaks the ice in the Champions League, but it's too late for qualification to the next stage. The team coached by Italiano came from behind to defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1, securing their first victory in the group stage. The three points bring Bologna to 5 points, 3 points behind 24th place held by Manchester City, who will face PSG on Wednesday. However, the result is not enough to keep Bologna in the running. Due to various combinations, Bologna is mathematically eliminated, but the Rossoblù leave with heads held high, taking satisfaction in this victory against one of Europe's most prestigious teams.
Bologna had a shocking start, conceding a penalty in the 15th minute after an unwise foul by Holm on Anton in the box. Guirassy converted the spot-kick with a cheeky Panenka that Skorupski almost managed to save. From that moment on, a different game began, with Italiano's team pouring forward in attack, repeatedly coming close to equalizing. Castro, Ferguson, and Orsolini all tested the German goalkeeper Kobel, who pulled off a miracle save, particularly on Castro in the 30th minute. However, before halftime, Orsolini picked up an injury and had to leave the field, replaced by Samuel Iling-Junior.
In the second half, Bologna continued to push and threatened again through Ndoye with an acrobatic overhead kick. The Dall’Ara crowd spurred Italiano's boys on, and they finally broke through Dortmund's defense, overturning the result in just two minutes. At the 71st minute, Dallinga equalized with a perfect assist from Odgaard. Then, in the 72nd minute, Iling-Junior scored the 2-1 winner, pouncing on a rebound after Dallinga’s shot was saved by Kobel.
Despite being eliminated, it was a celebratory atmosphere at the Dall’Ara, as Bologna claimed a memorable victory.