Brann will take on Bologna in the Europa League at Brann Stadion on February 19, 2026.

The matchup between these two teams is set to be an intriguing encounter.

Brann has secured victories in 52% of their matches this season, while boasting a solid 50% win rate in Europa League home matches.

On the other hand, Bologna has shown strength with 4 wins out of 8 league games and an impressive record of 3 wins in 4 away matches.

In their previous head-to-head encounter this season, Brann managed to secure a draw against Bologna, showcasing their competitiveness against the Italian side.

With both teams displaying decent form and a history of closely contested matches, the upcoming fixture may see a tactical battle unfold on the field.

The statistical data indicates a potential for a tightly contested game with a prediction of under 2.5 goals scored.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals scored.

Winter football returns to Bergen with a clear imbalance in rhythm between the sides. Brann have barely played since December because the Norwegian season has not yet resumed, while Bologna arrive in full domestic cadence after a demanding Serie A schedule. That contrast defines the tie as much as league-phase standings, where Bologna finished 10th and Brann scraped through in 24th.

The first meeting in November finished goalless in Italy, but the context now differs. Brann enter winless in five Europa League matches and without a victory in their last three games overall, often struggling to start matches quickly after long breaks between fixtures. Bologna, by contrast, improved as the league phase progressed, winning three of their last four European outings and collecting away victories in three of their four continental trips.

There are clear stylistic trends too. Brann’s matches are typically controlled but low in mutual scoring, with only two of their last seven Europa League games seeing both teams score. Bologna games open up far more often, with goals in seven of their last nine matches and both teams scoring in five of their last six away fixtures. The tactical question is therefore whether the Norwegian side can slow the tempo enough to keep the contest structured.

The tie revolves around match rhythm. Brann want patience, duels and territorial control to compensate for limited competitive minutes, while Bologna benefit from tempo and structured pressing that produces early chances.

If the match stays slow, the hosts can remain competitive, particularly through set pieces and defensive organisation. But if Bologna impose pace, their multi-source attacking patterns and stronger match fitness should gradually tilt the balance, making the first leg less about immediate separation and more about whether Brann can keep the margin small before the return in Italy.