Bologna edge Cremonese amid late red card chaos

Lightning start for Bologna

Bologna couldn’t have scripted a better opening, with Joao Mario breaking the deadlock inside three minutes. A looping cross from Juan Miranda found the Portuguese midfielder at the far post, who lashed home a first-time volley over Emil Audero. Just 11 minutes later, Miranda struck again—this time as provider—cutting back for Jonathan Rowe to slot home the second. It was Rowe’s second Serie A goal of the season and sixth in all competitions, underlining his growing importance in Bologna’s attack.

The Rossoblu controlled the first half with a dominant display. Santiago Castro should’ve made it three after a headed mistake from Filippo Terracciano, but fired wide. Nikola Moro came even closer, rattling the crossbar from a 25-yard free-kick. Cremonese, missing Jamie Vardy through injury, offered little in response. The hosts’ best chance fell to Federico Bonazzoli, whose powerful volley was superbly saved by Federico Ravaglia, who continued his consistent form between the posts.

Cremonese fight back, but fall short

The second half saw Cremonese grow into the game. Substitutes injected urgency, with Martin Payero testing Ravaglia at close range after a deflected effort from Bonazzoli fell kindly. Bologna remained dangerous on the counter, with Castro forcing another sharp save after an acrobatic volley from the edge of the box. But as the clock ticked into stoppage time, the match shifted from tactical battle to theatre of the absurd.

Ravaglia, the hero all game, became the villain momentarily when he brought down Romano Floriani Mussolini in the box while attempting to intercept a through ball. The referee had no hesitation: red card. But the chaos wasn’t over. As players converged, Remo Freuler shoved an opponent and was shown a straight red of his own. Two men down, but both teams finished with ten.

Madness at the Zini

"It was less football, more gladiator combat in the final minutes,"