Borussia Dortmund’s troubles continued on Tuesday as the Bundesliga side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bologna, dealing a significant blow to their hopes of direct qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Second-half goals in quick succession from Thijs Dallinga and Samuel Iling-Junior secured Bologna’s first-ever victory in the modern Champions League format and handed Dortmund their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions.

Despite taking an early lead through Serhou Guirassy’s sublime chipped penalty in the 15th minute, Dortmund failed to maintain control. The defeat leaves them on 12 points, one point adrift of the top eight, with other teams set to complete their penultimate league-phase matches on Wednesday.

The result heaps further pressure on Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin, who has come under fire amid the team’s slump. Nevertheless, his players showed their backing by joining him in a celebratory group hug after Guirassy netted his seventh goal in as many Champions League games this season.

Bologna Celebrate Historic Triumph

Bologna, who now have five points but remain outside the play-off spots, celebrated jubilantly at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The players, coach Vincenzo Italiano, and 30,000 ecstatic fans revelled in a historic night for the club.

The seven-time Italian champions had not featured at Europe’s top level since a preliminary-round match against Anderlecht in the 1964 European Cup. After being eliminated by the Belgian side, Bologna waited decades for another chance to shine, making Tuesday’s triumph all the sweeter.

Their night didn’t start smoothly, however, as they were incensed by the referee’s decision to award Dortmund a penalty for what appeared to be a soft foul on Waldemar Anton. Bologna’s frustration was compounded when a similar shirt pull on Dan Ndoye, who was poised to connect with Riccardo Orsolini’s cross, went unpunished in the 19th minute.

The incident seemed to ignite Bologna’s determination, with Orsolini and Santiago Castro both coming close to scoring their side’s first-ever Champions League goal. Orsolini, who has netted eight times this season, was forced off 10 minutes before half-time with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, leaving the pitch with his head in his shirt.

Second-Half Turnaround

Despite the setback, Bologna emerged stronger in the second half, pushing for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 71st minute when Charalampos Lykogiannis played a superb ball through to Jens Odgaard, who delivered a perfect low cross for Dallinga to tap in.

Moments later, Bologna completed the turnaround. Iling-Junior capitalised on a rebound after Dallinga’s initial effort was saved by Gregor Kobel, sealing a famous victory for the Italians.

The win marks a momentous achievement for Bologna, while Dortmund face mounting challenges as they look to rescue their Champions League campaign. For Sahin and his squad, the pressure to turn things around is greater than ever as they approach the final matchday of the league phase.