Brann vs Bologna: A Europa League Playoff Showdown
Nearly two decades have passed since SK Brann last reached the knockout stage of a UEFA competition, and now the Norwegian side faces a significant challenge as they welcome Bologna to Bergen on Thursday evening. Following a goalless draw in Italy earlier in the season, these teams will compete in a two-legged playoff for a spot in the Europa League’s last 16, potentially against either Roma or Freiburg.
Brann’s Road to the Playoffs
Despite a 1-0 defeat to Sturm Graz in their final league-phase fixture, Brann secured the last available playoff spot by finishing 24th. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with only one point earned from their last three matches – a 4-0 loss to Fenerbahce and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Midtjylland. However, Freyr Alexandersson’s team matched the club’s best performance in Europe’s second-tier competition, reaching the last 32 of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup.
Brann finished fourth in Norway’s Eliteserien last year, guaranteeing qualification for next season’s Conference League. While they’ve been in a mid-winter break domestically, their focus is now firmly on reaching the Europa League’s last 16, having held a 10-man Bologna to a draw on matchday four.
Bologna’s Campaign
Bologna finished their campaign with six more points than Brann, claiming 10th place. While not enough for automatic entry to the last 16, Vincenzo Italiano’s side must navigate the playoffs to progress. After a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening matchday, Bologna went unbeaten in their next seven fixtures, culminating in a 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Rossoblu have achieved their best undefeated streak in Europe since 1971 and are playing their first UEFA knockout tie in 26 years. However, their recent Serie A form has been less impressive, with only two wins in their last 13 league matches. A 2-1 victory against Torino on Sunday provided a much-needed boost, but they’ve since been eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Lazio in a penalty shootout.
Recent Form
- SK Brann Europa League form: W D D L D L
- SK Brann form (all competitions): L D W L D L
- Bologna Europa League form: D W D L D W
- Bologna form (all competitions): W L L L L W
Team News & Potential Lineups
Brann is grappling with a lengthy injury list, with Saevar Atli Magnusson, Sakarias Opsahl, Eggert Aron Gudmundsson, Jonas Torsvik, Niklas Jensen Wassberg, and Niklas Castro all unavailable. Bologna has added 20-year-old defender Eivind Fauske Helland, but Ghanaian centre-back Nana Boakye has proven a capable replacement.
Jacob Sorensen and Emil Kornvig were key midfielders for Brann during the league phase, but Kornvig has since moved to Widzew Lodz. Bologna’s leading scorers were Riccardo Orsolini, Federico Bernardeschi, and Thijs Dallinga, each with three goals.
SK Brann possible starting lineup: Dyngeland; De Roeve, Knudsen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Mhyre, Sorensen, Pedersen; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson
Bologna possible starting lineup: Skorupski; Zortea, Lucumi, Heggem, Miranda; Ferguson, Pobega; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Dallinga
Prediction
This promises to be a tense encounter, potentially mirroring their previous stalemate. Brann may lack peak fitness due to the domestic break, but Bologna appears vulnerable defensively. A draw seems the most likely outcome, setting up a captivating second leg at Stadio Dall’Ara.
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Written by Jonathan O’Shea
