Bologna’s Champions League campaign suffered another devastating blow as they fell 2-1 to Lille, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the competition. However, there was a silver lining for Thiago Motta’s side as they finally managed to score their first goal in Europe’s elite tournament this season.
The match began with promise, as Jonathan David narrowly missed an early curling effort for Lille. Moments later, Thijs Dallinga thought he had given Bologna a dream start when he slotted home a Riccardo Orsolini through ball in the fifth minute, but VAR ruled him marginally offside. It was Bologna’s third disallowed goal in this season’s Champions League, underscoring their frustration in front of goal.
Lille nearly struck first in the 12th minute when Alexsandro was left unmarked on a corner, powering a header off the post. The follow-up, a spectacular bicycle kick from Thomas Meunier, went wide. Bologna also had chances, with Giovanni Fabbian testing the Lille goalkeeper and Lukasz Skorupski making a crucial one-on-one save against Matias Fernandez-Pardo after a lightning-fast counterattack.
The breakthrough came in the final moments of the first half, albeit in chaotic fashion. Stefan Posch’s attempted clearance ricocheted off teammate Sam Beukema, causing confusion in Bologna’s defense. While the visitors seemed to assume the ball was heading out for a corner, Jonathan David kept it in play and delivered a cutback to Ngal’Ayel Mukau. Mukau’s first effort was heroically blocked on the line by Posch, but his second attempt found the back of the net from close range.
Bologna finally ended their scoring drought in the Champions League just past the hour mark. A well-placed free kick from Charalampos Lykogiannis found Jhon Lucumi at the near post, where the Colombian defender executed a deft volley from five yards out to restore hope for the Italian side.
Despite a spirited second-half effort, Bologna could not find an equalizer, leaving them bottom of their group and on the verge of elimination. For Lille, the victory solidifies their position as they continue their push for the knockout stages.
