UEL: Bologna Advance in Europa League, Brann Exit

Bologna beat 10-man Brann, reach Europa League last 16

Bologna defeat 10-man Brann 1-0 to reach Europa League last 16. Joao Mario scores winner as Bologna progress, while Brann exit competition.

Brann were clearly eager to get back into the game, but things weren't going their way....

Bologna's unbeaten home record in European knockout games now stands at 28 matches as they defeated SK Brann 1-0 at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Consecutive 1-0 wins for Bologna in the knockout phase play-offs 🔁#UEL pic.twitter.com/kGEesw6rqn

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2026

The win saw Bologna progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League. They had won 1-0 in Norway last week, and this victory marked their third win in a row, boosting their confidence heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

Despite failing to win any of their last six games in all competitions, though, Brann remained in the tie, and they gave as good as they got in the first half.

In fact, they had the better early chances, as Lukasz Skorupski produced a fantastic stop to deny Jón Thorsteinsson before rushing out to block Noah Holm’s poke towards goal, with Remo Freuler then clearing off the line.

The visitors had more chances, with Ulrik Mathisen shooting wide after a slick move in the box.

Despite dominating territory and possession, Bologna struggled to create clear opportunities. But things shifted in their favor just before half time when Jacob Sorensen was sent off for a high boot on Remo Freuler.

Still, Brann showed they would remain a threat even with a man less, with Þorsteinsson drawing a brilliant leaping save out of Skorupski before the interval.

The pattern the game would follow for the majority of the second half was set immediately after the restart, as Brann attempted to hit their opponents on the counterattack while Bologna dictated the tempo.

Unlike the first half, Brann failed to create real openings, and Bologna started to create more danger.

Mathias Dyngeland pushed Jhon Lucumí’s header over, but it was only a brief respite. Bologna took control, and Rowe’s cross into the box caused chaos. Joao Mario volleyed home to give Bologna total control of the tie.

Brann were clearly eager to get back into the game, but things weren't going their way. Bologna kept pushing, threatening to seal the win.

Riccardo Orsolini, who started on the bench, came on and looked dangerous, but he couldn't put the game to bed.

Round of 16 place locked-in for Bologna 🔒#UEL pic.twitter.com/FGPcyGqUwM

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2026

Still, the two-goal lead for Bologna across the tie allowed them to comfortably see the game out, and they can now look forward to a last 16 meeting with either fellow Serie A side AS Roma or Germany’s SC Freiburg.

Brann, meanwhile, have won just one of their 13 European knockout games, and they will now turn their attention to the Norwegian top flight, which kicks off in March.