Cabal Header Lifts Juventus Past Bologna in Tight Contest

BOLOGNA, ITALY — Juan Cabal emerged as the unlikely hero at the Renato Dall'Ara, powering home a close-range header that lifted seventh-placed Juventus to a hard-fought 0-1 victory over sixth-placed Bologna. The Colombian defender's decisive intervention in the 64th minute proved the difference in a tightly-contested Serie A encounter that saw both sides battle for supremacy. With the three points, Juventus leapfrogged their hosts in the standings, moving to 23 points and asserting their credentials in the race for European qualification.

The breakthrough arrived just past the hour mark when Kenan Yildiz's precision delivery from a corner found Cabal unmarked at the near post. The defender made no mistake, directing his header from very close range into the centre of the goal, leaving Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia helpless. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Juventus bench, who had watched their side probe patiently for an opening throughout a cagey first half. Bologna's afternoon deteriorated further five minutes later when Torbjørn Heggem saw red for a foul on Loïs Openda, leaving the hosts to chase the game with ten men for the final 21 minutes.

The tactical battle ebbed and flowed throughout, with neither side able to establish clear dominance. Kenan Yildiz orchestrated much of Juventus's attacking play, constantly finding pockets of space and testing Bologna's defensive resolve. At the other end, Riccardo Orsolini and Lewis Ferguson combined effectively for the hosts, with Nadir Zortea striking the crossbar in first-half stoppage time in Bologna's closest call. Pierre Kalulu and Lloyd Kelly formed a resolute partnership at the heart of Juventus's defence, while Michele Di Gregorio remained alert when called upon, making a crucial save from Federico Bernardeschi's long-range effort in the 83rd minute.

The statistics told the story of an evenly-matched contest. Bologna edged possession with 50.6% to Juventus's 49.4%, while the visitors registered 13 shots to Bologna's 11. However, Juventus proved more clinical in the final third, managing three shots on target compared to Bologna's four. The hosts earned three corners to Juventus's four, while both sides committed multiple fouls in a physical encounter that saw two yellow cards brandished.

Heggem's dismissal in the 69th minute proved the pivotal moment that sealed Bologna's fate. Already trailing by a goal, the Norwegian defender's rash challenge on Openda left his side with a mountain to climb. Bologna manager threw on fresh legs with substitutions, introducing Santiago Castro and Ibrahim Sulemana, but the numerical disadvantage proved insurmountable. The final stages saw Juventus control proceedings, with Francisco Conceição and Teun Koopmeiners helping run down the clock during five minutes of added time.

Looking ahead, Juventus will host Manchester United on December 17, while Bologna face a daunting task when they host Internazionale on December 19.