Match Report: Bologna vs AS Roma 12th January 2025
On 14 January 2025 by Gillyowl
In a thrilling encounter, AS Roma displayed their trademark resilience by clinching a dramatic last-minute penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Bologna. After a bright start that saw them take the lead, Roma faced adversity as Bologna surged back and took control with two quick goals.
Riding high from their confidence-boosting 2-0 victory in the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, Roma made strategic tweaks to the lineup, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini stepping in to lead the charge. Bologna had started the season well, amassing 10 points from their first four matches but encountered a setback with a 3-2 defeat to Verona prior to this clash. This match marked their return after a Supercoppa break, and they were noticeably weakened without key players like Tommaso Pobega, alongside long-term absentees Michel Aebischer, Oussama El Azzouzi, and others.
The action began with Bologna applying pressure, as Dallinga tested Roma’s goalkeeper Mile Svilar early on. On 58 minutes, it was Alexis Saelemaekers who drew first blood, scoring from the edge of the box after a clever assist from Manu Koné.
A vital interception by Benjamin Dominguez ignited a swift counter-attack, with Jens Odgaard teeing up Dallinga for the equalizer just three minutes later, sending waves of excitement through the home supporters. With the game tied, the need for concentration was important. Yet, Pellegrini’s foolish challenge in the box led to a penalty for Bologna, which Lewis Ferguson calmly converted to put them ahead.
It looked bleak but Roma’s indomitable spirit shone through. The back line stood tall as they thwarted Bologna’s advances. At the 98th minute, the break through came. A handball after a corner kick gave Roma a golden chance for redemption. Artem Dovbyk stepped up with poise, converting the penalty with finesse and ensuring that the Giallorossi would leave with a hard-fought point.
While the match ended in a draw, Roma’s relentless determination and late equalizer filled their fans with pride and reaffirmed that, true to their history, they will never back down, no matter the odds stacked against them.
Heroes & Villains:
Very much the usual suspects this week.
Heroes: Dybala, Angelino, Saelemaekers. They all contributed with solid performances.
Villains: You all saw this coming! Once more, Pellegrini undoing all the good work of last week with one swipe of his boot!
Next Game:
Next up is Genoa at home. 17th January. Kick off 19:45 GMT.
Forza Roma!
