Santiago Castro on Tuesday had an immediate impact off the bench as he scored the goal to send Bologna into the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the first time in 26 years.
Bologna won 1-0 against last year’s runners-up, Atalanta BC, and are to play either holders Juventus or Empoli in the final four.
Juventus are to host Empoli in their quarter-final on Feb. 26.
Photo: AFP
The last time Bologna reached the semi-finals was in 1999, when they lost 4-2 to ACF Fiorentina.
There were chances for both sides in a high-tempo match in Bergamo, but it was Bologna who broke the deadlock 10 minutes from time.
Castro escaped his marker at the far post to head in Charalampos Lykogiannis’ perfectly weighted free-kick.
Photo: Reuters
The 20-year-old Argentine had come off the bench less than two minutes earlier.
The Cup exit continued a poor start to the new year for Atalanta, who have only beaten Sturm Graz and Como 1907 in their 10 matches since Jan. 1.
AC Milan were to play Roma in their quarter-final after press time last night, while SS Lazio face Inter in the other quarter on Feb. 25.
Photo: EPA-EFE
DFB-Pokal
AFP, STUTTGART, Germany
A 29th-minute goal on Tuesday from VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was enough for a 1-0 home win over Augsburg, sending them through to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.
Photo: AFP
“It wasn’t our strongest game, but at the end it was enough,” Undav told Germany’s ARD of the “dirty” win.
Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness, who has turned the club’s fortunes around since arriving in the middle of a relegation battle in April 2023, also praised his side’s fight.
“With all the games we’ve played, it certainly wasn’t a performance to savor, but the win was deserved,” Hoeness said.
Holders Bayer 04 Leverkusen were to play bitter derby rivals Cologne after press time last night.
The remaining quarter-finals are to be held late in February, with RB Leipzig to play VfL Wolfsburg, while Werder Bremen face third-division side Arminia Bielefeld.
COPa DEL REY
AP, MADRID
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano, on Tuesday scored two early goals as the team eased into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 5-0 home victory over Getafe.
The 22-year-old Simeone netted twice in the first 17 minutes and Atletico reached the last four of the Copa for the second straight season.
Samuel Lino also scored a first-half goal for the hosts at the Metropolitano, while Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth added second-half goals.
In the other quarter-finals, Real Madrid were to play CD Leganes after press time last night, while today Real Sociedad host CA Osasuna and Barcelona face Valencia.
Coupe de France
AFP, PARIS
Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday eased into the Coupe de France quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Le Mans, while USL Dunkerque shocked Lille OSC on penalties, winning the shoot-out 5-4 after the match ended at 1-1, and Stade Brestois earned a last-gasp 2-1 win over ES Troyes AC.
Desire Doue opened the scoring for PSG after 25 minutes after poor Le Mans defending before Bradley Barcola slotted in the second after 71 minutes.
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