Dortmund Stunned by Bologna as Nuri Şahin Faces Growing Pressure
Bologna secured a historic 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on Tuesday night, marking their first-ever win in the competition. This stunning comeback dealt a significant blow to Dortmund’s hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase and intensified scrutiny on head coach Nuri Şahin.
Dortmund Dominate Early but Fail to Capitalize
After enduring three consecutive Bundesliga defeats, Dortmund arrived at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara with hopes of reigniting their UCL campaign. Nuri Şahin’s side looked sharp from the outset, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Polish goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski was tested early, making an impressive save from a Pascal Groß free-kick. However, Dortmund’s pressure paid off in the 12th minute when referee Serdar Gözübüyük awarded a penalty. Emil Holm’s foul on Waldemar Anton gave Dortmund the perfect opportunity to take the lead.
Guinea international Serhou Guirassy stepped up and executed a panenka-style penalty. Despite Skorupski diving the correct way, he was unable to make contact with the ball, allowing Guirassy to notch his seventh goal of the UCL campaign and put Dortmund ahead.
Bologna Resilient Despite Setbacks
Despite falling behind, Bologna displayed determination and energy as they sought an equalizer. Their talismanic forward, Riccardo Orsolini, came close with a volley that forced an excellent save from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Orsolini’s constant threat was evident until disaster struck for the home side when he was forced off with an injury just before halftime.
Even without their star player, Bologna maintained their attacking intent in the second half. The Italian side, known for their grit and passion, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for much of the game but never wavered in their persistence.
Bologna’s Stunning Comeback
The breakthrough for Bologna came in the 71st minute, sparking a two-minute spell of magic that turned the match on its head. Jens Odgaard, who had been a bright spark since his introduction, delivered an inch-perfect cross to Thijs Dallinga, who calmly slotted home from close range to level the score.
First ever Champions League win for Bologna ❤️#UCL pic.twitter.com/b7ko60BSNK
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 21, 2025
Before Dortmund could recover, Bologna struck again. Kobel saved Odgaard’s initial shot, but substitute Samuel Iling-Junior reacted quickest to the rebound, scoring a crucial goal that sent the home fans into raptures.
Dortmund Collapse Under Pressure
Stunned by Bologna’s quickfire goals, Dortmund appeared shell-shocked and failed to muster any meaningful response in the final 10 minutes. The German side, which had looked so composed in the first half, fell apart under Bologna’s relentless energy and pressing.
The home side held firm in defense, limiting Dortmund’s attacking options and cruising to a memorable victory that kept their slim hopes of advancing in the UCL alive. Bologna’s triumph highlighted their resilience and showcased their ability to compete against top European sides.
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A Night to Forget for Dortmund
For Dortmund, the defeat marked their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions, further piling pressure on Nuri Şahin. The once-promising start to their UCL campaign now hangs in the balance, and the team’s defensive frailties and lack of composure under pressure have become glaring issues.
Despite Guirassy’s early goal, Dortmund failed to build on their lead and were ultimately undone by Bologna’s hunger and tenacity. Şahin, visibly frustrated on the touchline, now faces mounting criticism as his team’s form continues to decline.
What This Means for Bologna and Dortmund
The victory was a momentous achievement for Bologna, not only as their first UCL win but also as a statement of intent. The Italian side remains in contention for qualification, although their path to the knockout stages is narrow. The spirited performance against Dortmund will undoubtedly boost morale and serve as a reminder of what the team is capable of achieving.
For Dortmund, the loss is a significant setback in their UCL campaign. Currently sitting on 12 points, their chances of securing a top-eight finish have taken a hit, and the pressure on Şahin to turn things around is mounting. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to close out games have been recurring issues that require immediate attention.
Match Statistics
| Category | Bologna | Borussia Dortmund |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Possession (%) | 45 | 55 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 81 | 85 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
What’s Next?
Bologna will look to build on their historic victory as they prepare for their next UCL match against Sporting CP. The Italian side will aim to carry their momentum forward and keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
Dortmund, on the other hand, must regroup quickly as they face Shakhtar Donetsk in their final league-phase match. A win is imperative for Şahin’s men if they are to salvage their UCL campaign and regain confidence.
Player of the Match
Thijs Dallinga was instrumental in Bologna’s comeback, scoring the equalizer and injecting energy into the team’s attack. His performance, combined with Jens Odgaard’s creativity and Samuel Iling-Junior’s decisive goal, made the difference for the Italian side.
Final Thoughts
Bologna’s triumph over Dortmund will go down as one of the most memorable nights in their history. For Dortmund, however, it was a night to forget, and the coming weeks will be critical for Nuri Şahin as he seeks to steady the ship amidst growing pressure. The result serves as a reminder that in football, resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
