UEFA Europa League Round of 32
Brann 0 - 1 FT Bologna
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
S. Castro (N. Cambiaghi) 9'
HT
↓ F. Bernardeschi ↑R. Orsolini 46'
↓ S. Castro ↑T. Dallinga 46'
69' ↓ K. M. Ingason ↑T. Pedersen
↓ N. Moro ↑T. Pobega 75'
↓ L. Ferguson ↑S. Sohm 75'
79' ↓ U. Mathisen ↑B. Finne
79' ↓ J. Soltvedt ↑V. Dragsnes
79' ↓ J. D. Thorsteinsson ↑M. Haaland
↓ N. Cambiaghi ↑J. Rowe 87'
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Brann
Goalkeepers
M. Dyngeland 
MAGNET
81
Activity
81
Activity
81
Passes
0
Duels
Defenders
D. De Roeve 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
F. Knudsen 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
N. Boakye
MAGNET
119
Activity
119
Activity
110
Passes
9
Duels
J. Soltvedt 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
29%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
J. Sorensen
MAGNET
85
Activity
85
Activity
71
Passes
14
Duels
K. M. Ingason
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
69
Total Mins
69
Entry
F. Myhre 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
J. D. Thorsteinsson
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
79
Total Mins
79
Entry
Forwards
U. Mathisen
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
79
Total Mins
79
Entry
N. Holm
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
11
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
BENCH
M. Klausen 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
S. Nilsen
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
V. Dragsnes
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
11
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Pedersen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Holten
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Sande
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Haaland
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
11
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Eikrem
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Remmem
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
B. Finne
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
11
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Bologna
Goalkeepers
L. Skorupski
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
N. Zortea
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Vitik
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
J. Lucumi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Miranda
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
26%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
L. Ferguson
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
R. Freuler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Moro
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
20%
Pass Acc
Forwards
F. Bernardeschi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
S. Castro 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
N. Cambiaghi 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7.5
Rating
BENCH
F. Ravaglia
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Pessina
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
T. Heggem
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Casale
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joao Mario
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Pobega
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Sohm
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Orsolini
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Rowe
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
3
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Odgaard
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Dallinga
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
B. Dominguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Castro's Early Strike Silences Brann Stadion
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 29/100. Bologna's clinical early finish proved decisive, setting up a tense second leg after a match defined by stark tactical contrasts.
Early Breakthrough
A rapid start redefined the entire complexion of this European evening in Norway. Before the home crowd could truly settle into their seats at Brann Stadion, the visitors struck a lethal blow. Just nine minutes into the contest, Bologna orchestrated a sharp attacking move that completely shattered the initial Balance of the match. N. Cambiaghi found space and delivered a precise pass, allowing S. Castro to finish clinically. That early opener fundamentally altered the tactical blueprint for both managers. The Italian outfit immediately demonstrated their comfort with a narrow lead, shifting into a highly disciplined shape. The home side, suddenly chasing the game, had to push higher up the pitch, leaving gaps that the visitors were eager to exploit on the break.
Tactical Contrast
The ensuing hour developed into a fascinating stylistic clash. Brann monopolised the ball, racking up a commanding 65% possession, yet they routinely slammed into a resolute defensive wall. Despite their territorial control and a steady stream of seven corners, the Norwegian side only managed four total shots. Conversely, the Intensity of the away side's counter-attacks was staggering. Thriving on just 35% of the ball, the Italian side launched a relentless attacking siege. They fired 13 shots, with 10 originating from inside the penalty area. The scoreline would have been much uglier for the hosts if not for the heroics of their goalkeeper. Matias Dyngeland produced a stellar performance, executing four critical saves to ensure his team remained within touching distance.
Looking Ahead to Italy
As the final whistle blew, the disparity between possession and penetration was glaring. The visitors executed a perfect smash-and-grab European away performance, neutralising the crowd and capitalising on their solitary clear opportunity. For the Norwegian hosts, the inability to convert sterile possession into dangerous chances will be a serious concern for the coaching staff. The Stakes in this Round of 32 tie remain incredibly high, but the momentum has decisively shifted south. Taking a 1-0 aggregate lead back to Italy, the Serie A club is now firmly in the driving seat. The return leg on February 26th promises a tense atmosphere, as the hosts must abandon their cautious approach and chase the game if they hope to rescue their continental campaign.
Key Questions
Who scored the decisive goal for Bologna?
S. Castro scored the only goal of the match in the 9th minute, assisted by N. Cambiaghi.
When is the second leg of this knockout tie?
The return leg will be played in Italy on February 26th, 2026.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Bologna Take Red-Hot Form to Norway for Knockout Clash
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 62/100. A massive Round of 32 opening act awaits as Bologna attempt to crack a stubborn Brann side aiming for a European giant-killing.
The Setup
Brann welcome Bologna to Brann Stadion on February 19, 2026, kicking off a defining two-legged tie. The Stakes are absolute in this Europa League knockout phase, where survival is the sole objective. The visitors arrive boasting an intimidating Form rating, heavily backed by a stellar 75% away win rate and a confident unbeaten streak (WDWWD) in their recent European outings. Brann barely scraped into the top 24, and their dire run of winless results (LDLDD) highlights a significant gap in Balance between the two sides. However, knockout football under the Norwegian lights often ignores the form book, and the hosts will be desperate to build an advantage before the decisive second leg in Italy on February 26.
Key Battle
This match undeniably hinges on a clash of Stars at opposite ends of the pitch. Brann shot-stopper Matias Dyngeland faces a relentless barrage from Bologna's dynamic attacker Federico Bernardeschi. Dyngeland has been working overtime, racking up an impressive 24 saves across five matches just to keep his team afloat. He must deliver a heroic performance to deny Bernardeschi, who is currently tearing through opposition defenses with ruthless efficiency.
Our Prediction
Bologna's attacking firepower should ultimately overwhelm the hosts. We anticipate a controlled 2-0 away victory, with the visitors dominating possession and exploiting tired legs out wide to secure a comfortable advantage ahead of the return leg.