The UEFA Europa and Conference League served up drama and anticipation on Thursday night, highlighted by a thrilling comeback from Bologna in Spain. In a key Europa League clash at Balaídos, Celta Vigo took an early lead through Bryan Zaragoza in the 16th minute, assisted by Williot Swedberg. However, the Italian visitors, backed by a vocal contingent of over 1,100 traveling ‘tiffosi’, staged a dramatic second-half fightback. Federico Bernardeschi was the hero, first converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a VAR review, and then sealing the 2-1 victory with a left-footed strike in the 73rd minute, assisted by substitute Nicolò Cambiaghi. The match, a tense affair with several yellow cards and late chances, was preceded by a significant police operation in Vigo to escort the large group of Bologna fans to the stadium, which caused notable traffic disruptions. The result is a crucial three points for Bologna in the league phase standings.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, Celtic prepared to host AS Roma at Parkhead under new manager Wilfried Nancy. Nancy, who took charge after Martin O’Neill’s interim spell, is seeking his first win following a 2-1 domestic defeat to Hearts. He received a potential boost with the news that long-term absentee Kelechi Iheanacho is ready to return and could feature against the Italian giants. The Nigerian forward has been out since October with an injury. Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini, whose side sits 15th in the Europa League table, was respectful of the challenge, stating that despite Celtic’s recent result, Nancy’s team made a ‘good impression’ on him with their attacking play. He acknowledged that playing at Celtic Park is ‘never easy’, setting the stage for a pivotal match for both sides’ knockout round hopes.
In the UEFA Conference League, the focus turned to Florence, where Dynamo Kyiv is set to face a struggling Fiorentina side. Dynamo midfielder Mykola Shaparenko emphasized the importance of the match, stating that in both the Conference League and the Ukrainian Premier League, the team ‘must play with 100% commitment.’ He acknowledged Fiorentina’s quality despite their poor Serie A form and spoke candidly about the immense physical and mental challenges his team faces due to the war, detailing exhausting multi-leg journeys that impact performance and recovery. For Dynamo, every point in Europe is vital, and this match represents a significant hurdle in their continental campaign.
Across these competitions, the narrative is one of critical points and fresh starts. For Bologna, the comeback win in the match between Celta de Vigo and Bolonia injects momentum. For Celtic vs. Roma, it’s a test of a new managerial era against seasoned European opposition. And in the Conference League, clubs like Dynamo Kyiv battle external adversity while chasing progress. The league phase is reaching its decisive stages, making every fixture, from Spain to Scotland to Italy, a potentially season-defining encounter.