Celta Vigo starting XI (3-4-3): Radu, Javi Rodriguez, Starfelt, Ristic, Carreira, Fran Beltran (subbed for Roman), Ilaix Moriba, Mingueza (subbed for Rueda), Zaragoza (subbed for Alvarez), Borja Iglesias (subbed for Jutgla), Swedberg (subbed for Aspas)
Bench: Villar, Fernandez, Rodriguez, Alonso, Hugo Sotelo, Lago, El-Abdellaoui
Goals: Zaragoza 17’
Bologna starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia, Holm, Heggem, Lykogiannis, Miranda, Moro (subbed for Ferguson), Pobega (subbed for Odgaard), Bernardeschi (subbed for Orsolini), Fabbian, Rowe (subbed for Cambiaghi), Castro (subbed for Dallinga)
Bench: Pessina, Franceschelli, Zortea, Lucumí, Dominguez
Goals: Bernardeschi 67’ (Pen) 75’
Celta started the match brightly and struck first. Williot Swedberg, buoyed by his recent goalscoring exploits, played a key role in the opener, combining with Bryan Zaragoza before the latter finished with composure to give the Galicians an early lead.
The goal sent the home fans into raptures and seemed to underline Celta’s potential to build on their recent good form in Europe.
However, Bologna’s quality began to tell as the first half progressed. The Italian side gradually grew into the game, pressing aggressively and disrupting Celta’s build-up play.
Their persistence paid off and in the 67th minute a penalty was awarded after a VAR check—and Federico Bernardeschi coolly converted from the spot to level the score.
Bologna’s pressure ultimately yielded the winner: Bernardeschi once again the architect, reacting quickest inside the box to steer home a decisive second goal and complete his brace.
Celta pressed for a response but struggled to break down Bologna’s organised defence as chances dried up.
