Bologna secured a vital away win against Cremonese, overcoming a late rally and a chaotic finish at Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Bologna started quickly, taking a decisive two-goal lead early in the first half against a struggling Cremonese side. Despite a dramatic end with a late penalty and two red cards, the visitors held on for a crucial 2-1 Serie A victory.
Cremonese, battling near the Serie A relegation zone in 17th place with recent form showing just one win in five matches, desperately sought points. Ninth-placed Bologna arrived with a more stable record, aiming to solidify their mid-table position.
Bologna wasted no time asserting dominance. João Mário struck in the third minute, side-footing home a precise pass from Juan Miranda to open the scoring.
Just 13 minutes later, Jonathan Rowe doubled Bologna's lead. Miranda once again provided the assist, guiding the ball through for Rowe to slot confidently past the goalkeeper.
The visitors controlled the flow of the first half, boasting 63% possession and seven shots on target. Cremonese's Youssef Maleh received a yellow card for holding just before halftime.
Cremonese manager made immediate changes, introducing J. Vandeputte, A. Grassi, and M. Djuric after the break, seeking to inject urgency into their play.
The changes initially struggled to shift momentum. Bologna continued to manage the game, though their attacking threat lessened as the half wore on, focusing on defensive solidity.
Bologna’s goalkeeper, Federico Ravaglia, earned a yellow card for time-wasting in the 75th minute. Substitutions continued as both teams brought on fresh legs to influence the closing stages.
The match exploded into life in added time. Cremonese earned a penalty, which Federico Bonazzoli calmly converted in the 90+1 minute, igniting hopes for a dramatic equalizer.
However, chaos ensued shortly after. Youssef Maleh received a second yellow for elbowing in the 90+4 minute, reducing Cremonese to ten men. Moments later, Bologna's Lewis Ferguson also saw red in the 90+6 minute for roughing, following an earlier booking for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Bologna finished with 63% possession and 14 total shots, seven on target. Cremonese managed nine total shots, with three on target. Interestingly, Cremonese held a higher expected goals (xG) of 1.42 compared to Bologna's 1.11, suggesting they created better quality chances.
This hard-fought victory propels Bologna further up the Serie A table, consolidating their position. For Cremonese, the narrow defeat keeps them entrenched in a challenging relegation fight, with crucial matches ahead.
