Serie A: Empoli and Bologna Share Spoils in Serie A Clash

Benjamin Dominguez's stunning volley helped Bologna secure a 1-1 draw against Empoli in Serie A, canceling out Lorenzo Colombo's opener for the hosts.

Bologna secured a hard-fought point against Empoli, thanks to a stunning Benjamin Dominguez volley, as they seemed to be struggling with a Champions League hangover. The Rossoblu were still basking in the glory of their historic Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund midweek, as well as a string of positive results in Serie A. However, they were without the injured Riccardo Orsolini.

Empoli, who had started the season strongly, had been struggling of late, scraping only one point from their last six matches. The hosts were also dealing with a lengthy injury list, missing key players such as Nicolas Haas, Ola Solbakken, Saba Sazonov, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Pietro Pellegri. Despite these challenges, Empoli took the lead in the 24th minute through Lorenzo Colombo's clever finish.

Full Time at the Castellani 🤝#EmpoliBologna pic.twitter.com/88LXYHXuRx

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 25, 2025

The goal was expertly crafted, with Jacopo Fazzini's precise pass finding Giuseppe Pezzella, who delivered a low cross that Colombo turned in from close range. The Empoli striker's follow-through saw him collide with Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, but the goal was given as Colombo had already made contact with the ball. Bologna equalized soon after, courtesy of Dominguez's spectacular right-footed volley at the back post, which was set up by Charalampos Lykogiannis's pinpoint cross.

Pinpoint accuracy from Benjamín Domínguez 🎯🚀#EmpoliBologna pic.twitter.com/fJe0BFYfCc

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 26, 2025

As the match intensified, both teams created scoring opportunities. Colombo narrowly missed connecting with a Fazzini cross, while Skorupski punched the ball to safety. Devis Vasquez produced an impressive save to deny Jens Odgaard's heavily deflected strike from the edge of the area. Bologna also had a gilt-edged chance when Vasquez made a reaction save to thwart Sam Beukema's volley from six yards out.

The match took a dramatic turn in added time when Empoli's Mattia Viti pulled up clutching his thigh, effectively leaving his team with 10 men for the final minutes. Despite this, Empoli managed to hold on and secure a point, denying Bologna a valuable win on the road.