Bologna, you’ve done it again! The rossoblù secured an absolutely vital Champions League blowout, dismantling a beleaguered Lazio side that crumbled shockingly just after the break. They reeled from a swift one-two punch courtesy of Odgaard, Orsolini, and Ndoye, propelling the home side into contention as they take flight towards the summit. This stunning 5-0 masterclass not only avenged a previous 3-0 defeat in the first leg but marked their fourth consecutive win, extending to an astonishing seven at the Dall’Ara, where only Roma has managed to glean a point this season—talk about big-time form!
A fitting tribute as well, given that today the curva rossoblù remembered Fabio Testoni, the late Dandy Bestia of the Skiantos, with a banner reading: “Ciao Dandy dal tuo pubblico di merda.” With Castellanos on the bench and Tavares injured during warm-ups, Lazio limped into this clash and struggled early on. The Danish Odgaard struck first, artfully sliding in between Gila and finding the net past Provedel.
Orsolini came close to doubling the lead, but the striker was thwarted—albeit only temporarily—as he netted his tenth of the season shortly after the restart in a devastating Bologna showcase. Just one minute into the half, Ferguson’s relentless pressure yielded an assist for Ndoye’s goal and it was game over from that moment on. Lazio's physical play faltered against Bologna’s growing momentum.
A clumsy Gila gave away possession which Pobega promptly converted into Castro’s 4-0, before Miranda set up Fabbian for a thumping header. Castro, celebrating his goal, shed his shirt, a decision that now raises questions as to whether he’ll miss the next match due to suspension after a yellow card. Yet, as it stands, last week's travels back from Argentina seem a small price to pay for such a character in the squad.
Bologna now looks to cement their Champions League ambitions. Final score: Bologna 5 - Lazio 0
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Calabria, Beukema, Lucumì, Miranda; Freuler (14’ Pobega), Ferguson, Orsolini (28’ Cambiaghi), Odgaard (14’ Fabbian), Ndoye (33’ Dominguez), Castro (33’ Dallinga). Coach: Italiano
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic; Guendouzi, Rovella, Isaksen (1’ Pedro), Vecino (38’ Ibrahimovic), Zaccagni (17’ Tchaouna), Dia (17’ Noslin). Coach: Baroni
Referee: Colombo
Goals: 16’ Odgaard, 3’ Orsolini, 4’ Ndoye, 29’ Castro, 39’ Fabbian
Notes: Cards for Freuler, Gila, Vecino, and Romagnoli. Attendance: 30,846
```
