Empoli-Bologna 1-1, Dominguez responds to Colombo

Two flashes in a Bolognese dominance as sterile as the percentages of ball possession. Colombo anticipates the Bologna defense, Dominguez sends the 2,500 rossoblù hearts still enraptured by the Champions League into raptures. In the middle, a lot of balance and little clarity from the Italiano boys in serving the attackers until the end. First half marked by ferocious pressing from Empoli who chased Bologna. It starts with a pass from Moro to Lucumi (3′), Vasquez is ready to repel the threat. Then the two teams study each other, in the 21st minute Beukema closes down Gyasi, but in the 24th minute Fazzini goes down, unloads for Pezzella who crosses for Colombo’s winning touch at the near post. The VAR confirms while Skorupski undergoes treatment for the blow he received. Dominguez claims a penalty, the match becomes more heated, a free foul by Grassi sparks a brawl which is barely quelled by La Penna.

At the end of the half, a superb equalizer for Bologna with a cross from the left by Lykogiannis which Dominguez coordinated on the fly and sent the ball under Vasquez’s legs. In the second half Bologna started off with a bang but Empoli’s attitude didn’t change. Esposito shoots hard but central, Skorupski saves, on the other front Odgaard challenges Vasquez with a deflected shot from the edge. He is saved by a dive from the Empoli goalkeeper. Bologna always on the attack even in the final. Vasquez closes again on Beukema while Lucumi is held in the area (35′) and the Bolognese claim a penalty. Bologna believes in it and continues to press but the Tuscans defend themselves with order and D’Aversa further lowers his center of gravity in the final. The guests attack in search of the winning goal but Empoli does not give up a precious point in the key to safety.