Bologna stages a smash and grab win in Norway and will defend the lead at home. They only need a draw to progress can they do it or will Brann make it a difficult night?
Crvena Zvezda v Lille Renato Dall’Ara 21:00 CET
Team News:
Bologna have Heggem, Dominguez and Lykogiannis unavailable here.
Castro and Magnussen are the only missing men for Brann.
Formations:
4-3-3 was an unexpected formation change for Bologna as they usually favour the 4-2-3-1. We will likely see that back as Bologna will protect the lead. Loading up the midfield and with wingers on the touchlines stretching the visitors.
4-3-3 for Brann who will have to force the pace here.
Statistics:
Referee: Benoit Bastien (ENG) (Average cards 3.94 Yellow 0.25 Red)
Match Preview:
Bologna finished the group stage in 10th place. Their home form included an unbeaten run of four matches, with one win and three draws. In Serie A, they currently sit 8th, nine points outside the European spots. Their recent form across all competitions is strong, going four games unbeaten and winning the last three. Although they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia on penalties earlier this month, the reduced schedule may ultimately work in their favour.
Brann finished the group stage in 24th place, advancing only through a superior goal difference over Young Boys. Their away form was disappointing, with two draws and two defeats from four matches. As the Norwegian Eliteserien has not yet begun, their only competitive fixtures this year have been the three Europa League games.
Betting Preview:
A 1-0 win in Norway was a fair result for Bologna. They have enough experience to kill the game, and Brann will have to take more chances as the game goes on. Bologna win is the only option here.
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Completed 26/02/2026