Bologna delivered a stunning comeback to secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League victory, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. The win kept Bologna's faint hopes of advancing alive, while piling further pressure on Dortmund manager Nuri Şahin.
Dortmund began strongly, showcasing their intent in the opening stages. Goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski made an early save to deny a curling Pascal Groß free-kick. Moments later, Dortmund capitalized on a controversial penalty decision when Emil Holm was adjudged to have fouled Waldemar Anton. Serhou Guirassy’s cheeky panenka found the back of the net, despite Skorupski guessing the right direction.
Bologna, often overawed in this competition, responded with determination. Riccardo Orsolini, their attacking talisman, nearly leveled the score with a fierce volley that was expertly saved by Gregor Kobel. However, their hopes seemed to take a hit when Orsolini was forced off with an injury shortly before halftime.
After the break, Bologna’s persistence finally paid off in dramatic fashion. In the 72nd minute, Jens Odgaard’s precise cross found Thijs Dallinga, who coolly slotted home from close range to equalize. Just two minutes later, substitute Samuel Iling-Junior reacted quickest to Kobel’s save from Odgaard’s shot, firing in the rebound to send the home crowd into raptures.
Dortmund, reeling from the double blow, failed to muster a response. Bologna controlled the final stages, defending resolutely to secure a historic win.
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