In a festival of shots hitting the woodwork, Bologna and Roma played out a draw

The Renato Dall'Ara Stadium did not provide an answer to the question of which team would be closer to a place in the quarter-finals after the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash between Bologna and Roma. The teams played out a 1–1 draw (0–0), leaving everything open ahead of the return match.

The visitors from Rome may have slightly more reason for satisfaction, considering they will be stronger favorites at the Stadio Olimpico than Bologna were in front of their own fans. However, based on what was seen in the first leg, both sides have reason to regret not securing the victory.

The team led by Vincenzo Italiano had more of the play throughout the match and even struck the crossbar late on. Still, Roma also hit the woodwork twice at both 0–0 and 1–0 following attacks orchestrated by Donyell Malen. Several excellent saves were also made by Mile Svilar, who once again showed just how important he is to the side managed by Gian Piero Gasperini.

Roma's goalkeeper produced a particularly brilliant moment in the 44th minute, when he tipped an almost perfect strike from Federico Bernardeschi — following a run down the right flank — from just under the crossbar, delaying Bologna’s lead until the very start of the second half.

Roma later demonstrated their ability to recover from a difficult situation, especially after Bernardeschi opened the scoring in the 49th minute following a move created by the excellent dribbling of Jonathan Rowe.

For the next ten minutes Roma appeared shaken. Svilar once again came to the rescue around the hour mark when Tommaso Pobega escaped his markers after a pass from Bernardeschi and raced through on goal, but the Roma goalkeeper produced another outstanding save to deny him.

That moment bought Gasperini enough time to reshuffle his side with several substitutions, restore balance on the pitch, and eventually find an equalizer. The key figure was Lorenzo Pellegrini, who reacted quickest after another dazzling dribble from Malen. Lukasz Skorupski had no chance as Pellegrini struck first time in the 71st minute to level the score.

Bologna pushed forward again in the closing stages, and their pressure produced a dangerous set piece delivered by Lykogiannis. Svilar hesitated slightly, allowing Martin Vitík to rise above his markers and head toward goal, but the ball crashed against the crossbar.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - ROUND OF 16

First leg

Thursday

Bologna - Roma 1-1 (0-0)

/Bernardeschi 50 - Pellegrini 71/

Lille - Aston Villa 0-1 (0-0)

/Watkins 61/

Panathinaikos - Betis 1-0 (0-0)

/Taborda 88 pen/

Stuttgart - Porto 1-2 (1-2)

/Undav 40 - Moffi 21, Mora 27/

Celta - Olympique Lyon IN PROGRESS

Ferencvaros - Braga IN PROGRESS

Genk - Freiburg IN PROGRESS

Nott. Forest - Midtjylland IN PROGRESS