Bologna clinch extra-time triumph to oust Roma from Europa League in thrilling seven-goal encounter

Roma controlled much of the possession early on and posed the bigger danger, yet Bologna struck first against the flow of the game after 22 minutes. An excellent passing sequence culminated with the ball squared to Jonathan Rowe, who unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box into the top right corner for a contender for goal of the season. 

The home side required a quick reply, which came shortly before the break. Following a strong save by Federico Ravaglia on Lorenzo Pellegrinis 30-yard free-kick, the substitute then assisted from the corner as Evan Ndicka nodded it in.

That said, right at the end of the first half, Bologna regained the lead via a penalty, with Federico Bernardeschi wrong-footing Mile Svilar after Nadir Zortea was felled by Stephan El Shaarawy in the box.

Roma recognised the contest remained alive entering the second period, but as the hour approached, their challenge intensified. A misplaced header towards Ndicka left the ball loose, allowing Santiago Castro to seize it and slot beyond Svilar, extending Bolognas lead both in the match and overall.

The Italian capital club showed little sign of recovery at first, though with around 20 minutes left, a penalty was awarded after Remo Freuler fouled Robinio Vaz in the box, and Donyell Malen dispatched it for his eighth strike in 11 outings. 

This penalty ignited an exciting conclusion, and with about 10 minutes of regular time left, Roma levelled dramatically when Pellegrinis shot from distance nestled into the bottom left corner, forcing the game into extra time.

The teams appeared cautious through much of the additional period, wary of mistakes that could prove costly.

Yet Bologna grabbed the winner 11 minutes from the finish as Nicolo Cambiaghi latched onto Thijs Dallingas pass and clipped it beyond Svilar at the near post, sparking wild joy among the travelling supporters.

Following this exhilarating success, their sixth win in a row across all tournaments, Bologna now anticipate a quarter-final against Aston Villa, aiming to reverse the 1-0 loss they endured to the English side in the initial league phase match this term.

Meanwhile, Roma bow out of the UEL on the back of five straight games without a victory in any competition.