Bergen, Norway — Bologna claimed three crucial points in their Europa League campaign with a narrow victory over SK Brann, weathering sustained home pressure to secure the result through Dallinga's second-half strike.
The match saw four goals disallowed across both teams before Dallinga's legitimate finish finally broke the deadlock. Santiago Castro had an early effort ruled out in the 9th minute for Bologna, while Brann suffered double frustration in the 24th minute when both Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson and Ulrik Mathisen saw goals chalked off. Dallinga himself had a 59th-minute strike disallowed before his 73rd-minute goal stood to separate the sides.
Despite controlling nearly two-thirds of possession, Brann struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear chances, managing just four shots compared to Bologna's 13. The Italian side's clinical approach saw them register five shots on target to Brann's two, demonstrating superior efficiency in the final third.
The Norwegian hosts pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages but Bologna's defensive organization held firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure the away victory in challenging conditions.
GOALS:- 73' Thijs Dallinga - Bologna
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- SK Brann: Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson - Constant attacking threat, unlucky with disallowed goal- Bologna: Thijs Dallinga - Match-winner, persistent despite earlier disallowed effort
KEY STAT: Bologna converted one of 13 shots while dominating efficiency metrics despite controlling just 35% possession compared to Brann's 65%.