Bologna 0-0 Shaktar Donetsk: Shakhtar hold firm to share the spoils with hosts

Bologna's winless streak in the 2024/25 season extended to five matches following a goalless draw in their UEFA Champions League debut against Shakhtar Donetsk, who have managed to secure only one victory in their last eleven encounters with Italian teams.

The Italian side's inaugural match in the UCL main draw appeared to be heading for a troubling beginning when Stefan Posch's reckless challenge on Eguinaldo compelled the referee to award an early penalty.

Fortunately for Posch, goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski redeemed his teammate's mistake by diving low to his right, successfully saving Heorhiy Sudakov's penalty attempt.

Shakhtar faced further setbacks during a challenging first half, as both Yukhym Konoplya and Danylo Sikan were forced to leave the pitch due to injuries.

With the visitors needing to adjust their lineup, Bologna's Santiago Castro sought to capitalize on the situation during first-half stoppage time, seizing a well-placed pass from Dan Ndoye, only to be thwarted by the determined Dmytro Riznyk.

The Shakhtar goalkeeper was called upon again early in the second half, expertly closing the angle to deny Giovanni Fabbian from close range.

As the match progressed past the sixty-minute mark, Castro unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that struck the side netting, as the Serie A team continued their pursuit of a goal.

Bologna's chances of securing a vital breakthrough diminished significantly when AC Milan loanee Tommaso Pobega sent his header wide in the final moments of the match.

Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a draw, prolonging Vincenzo Italiano's search for his first victory as Bologna's head coach.

The upcoming European match for the hosts will be against the Premier League powerhouse Liverpool at Anfield, whereas Shakhtar will compete against another Italian team, the Europa League champions Atalanta.