At the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna and SC Freiburg battled to a 1-1 stalemate on Thursday evening, with both teams leaving Group Stage Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League with a point that reflected their hard-fought performances on a cool night in Emilia-Romagna.

Bologna, brimming with confidence as Serie A's representatives, asserted themselves from the outset, dominating possession and dictating the rhythm in the opening exchanges. Their intent was clear: Riccardo Orsolini orchestrated the first real threat, threading a clever ball through to Santiago Castro, whose angled shot rippled the side-netting—an early warning for the German visitors.

Freiburg, initially content to sit deeper, showed their threat from set pieces, with Philipp Lienhart nodding over from a Phillip Treu cross. The game soon burst into life: in the 29th minute, a frenetic sequence saw Freiburg’s defense falter. After a dangerous Odgaard cross, Nicolò Cambiaghi's low strike forced a shaky save from Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The rebound fell invitingly for Orsolini, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net, igniting celebrations among the home support and giving Bologna a deserved edge. (Watch the goal: )

The second half brought a shift in momentum. Freiburg emerged rejuvenated, pressing higher and forcing errors from Bologna. Their pressure paid dividends in the 54th minute after a VAR review detected a handball by Castro in the penalty area. Junior Adamu stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted home, sending Skorupski the wrong way to equalize and reward Freiburg for their improved intensity. (Penalty incident and goal: )

Chances remained at a premium, but Freiburg nearly completed their comeback just past the hour. Derry Scherhant, sent clean through on goal, was denied by Bologna’s ever-reliable keeper Łukasz Skorupski, whose quick reflexes kept his team in the match. Substitute Eren Dinkçi added late energy, firing over in the 75th minute after a fluid Freiburg move, but neither side could conjure a winner as the closing stages fizzled amid tight marking and tired legs.

The draw keeps both teams firmly in contention in Group Stage play, though Bologna will rue missed opportunities at home, while Freiburg’s resilience on Italian soil could prove vital as the campaign unfolds.

Key moments and all the drama can be seen in the official UEFA highlights package and YouTube recap videos, offering fans a second look at the goals, saves, and turning points that defined another compelling night of Europa League football.