Santiago Castro’s early strike proved decisive as Bologna secured a narrow 1-0 win against SK Brann in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.
Bologna established control just nine minutes into the match at Brann Stadion.
Federico Bernardeschi intercepted a clearance before Niccolò Cambiaghi’s clever pass allowed Santiago Castro to find the net with a precise angled drive.
Despite the Rossoblu dominating much of the play, goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was forced into a desperate double save to deny Ulrik Mathisen and Jon Dagur Thorsteinssen before halftime.
The Italians continued to press in the second half, with substitute Riccardo Orsolini posing a constant threat.
Orsolini forced several saves from Mathias Dyngeland, while Thijs Dallinga nearly doubled the lead with a looping header.
Bologna now carries a slender advantage into the return leg at the Stadio Dall’Ara on February 26, as they aim to secure a spot in the round of 16.