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European football thrives on the clash of contrasting styles, and the 2026 UEFA Europa League play-off between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann offers exactly that. For the “Rossoblù,” this campaign represents a triumphant return to the continental elite, while Norway’s SK Brann will be looking to prove that their tactical discipline can overcome the technical prowess of Serie A. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for both legs, detailing exactly where to watch in Italy, Norway, the UK, and the USA, alongside in-depth VPN strategies to ensure you never miss a minute of the action.
The first leg kicks off tonight at the Brann Stadion in Bergen, where the home crowd will hope to exploit the cold conditions against the visiting Italians. The tie then moves to the historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26th for the decisive second leg.
Match Schedule and Venues
The playoff format requires total focus across 180 minutes. Bologna enters as the favourites after a strong 10th-place finish in the league phase, while Brann secured their spot in 24th place.
| Leg | Date | Time (CET) | Venue | City |
| First Leg | Feb 19, 2026 | 18:45 | Brann Stadion | Bergen, Norway |
| Second Leg | Feb 26, 2026 | 21:00 | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara | Bologna, Italy |
Broadcaster Breakdown: Italy, Norway, UK, and USA
In Italy, Sky Italia dominates the coverage, broadcasting the matches on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 252. For digital-first fans, the NOW streaming service and the Sky Go app provide high-definition access without the need for a satellite dish. While TV8 sometimes airs select matches for free, the knockout playoffs are primarily kept behind the paywall to ensure exclusive coverage for subscribers.
In Norway, the rights are held by Viaplay Group, with the match streaming on Viaplay Norway and airing on V Sport 1. Due to a recent sub-licensing agreement, some matches are also available via TV 2 Play, making it easier for Norwegian fans to follow their local heroes. Across the channel in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 5 is the designated home for the first leg, with the discovery+ app serving as the ultimate streaming hub. Note that by late March 2026, TNT Sports is expected to transition into the new HBO Max app in the UK, but for this specific tie, discovery+ remains your primary destination.
In the United States, Paramount+ is the exclusive home for English-language coverage, streaming every single Europa League match live. For those who prefer Spanish-language commentary, ViX and TUDN share the rights, ensuring that US-based fans have multiple ways to tune in. Finally, in Canada, DAZN continues its reign as the exclusive broadcaster for all UEFA club competitions, providing both live and on-demand replays.
Watch Bologna vs Brann Live Using a VPN
As streaming platforms implement stricter geo-fencing, a premium VPN is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity for the traveling fan. NordVPN is our top recommendation for 2026 because of its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which maintains high speeds essential for 4K sports streaming. Its SmartPlay feature is particularly useful; it works in the background to automatically whitelist streaming sites like Paramount+ or Viaplay, meaning you don’t have to manually cycle through servers to find one that isn’t blocked.
ExpressVPN remains the gold standard for versatility, especially if you are watching on a device that doesn’t support traditional apps, like a PlayStation 5 or an older Smart TV. By using their MediaStreamer service, you can change your device’s DNS settings to appear in Italy or Norway, allowing for a lag-free experience without the encryption overhead that can sometimes cause buffering.
For fans watching on a budget or with a large household, Surfshark is the best value. It allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can have the match running on your laptop, tablet, and phone all at once without any “device limit” errors.
To get started, simply download your chosen VPN app, connect to a server in your home country (e.g., an Italian server for Sky Go or a US server for Paramount+), and then open your streaming app as usual. This “tunnels” your traffic, making the service believe you are still sitting on your couch back home.
Players to Watch and Tactical Outlook
For Bologna, keep an eye on Riccardo Orsolini and the young striker Santiago Castro. Under Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna has transitioned into a side that thrives on wing play and high pressing. However, they will be missing Charalampos Lykogiannis, who is serving a suspension following a red card in the previous round, and veteran Lorenzo De Silvestri due to injury.
SK Brann will look to Emil Kornvig for inspiration, as he has been their standout performer in Europe this season. Their tactical setup often relies on the delivery of Joachim Soltvedt, whose crossing ability from left-back is a major source of chances. Brann is currently navigating several fitness concerns, with players like Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson doubtful for the first leg, which may force them into a more defensive, counter-attacking posture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Bologna vs. Brann Live on YouTube?
No, official matches are not streamed on YouTube. You must use an authorized broadcaster like Paramount+, Sky, or Viaplay.
Is the away goals rule still in effect for 2026?
No. If the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, the match proceeds to 30 minutes of extra time and then a penalty shootout.
What happens if my VPN is detected by the streaming app?
Most premium VPNs like NordVPN have “obfuscated servers” that hide the fact you’re using a VPN. Switch to one of these in the settings to bypass detection.
Is there a 4K broadcast available?
Yes, TNT Sports (UK) and Sky Italia offer 4K coverage for selected fixtures, provided you have a compatible device and an “Ultra HD” subscription.
Why is the match in Norway starting so early?
Kickoff is at 18:45 CET to accommodate the global TV schedule, allowing fans to watch multiple Europa League fixtures in a single evening.
Final Thoughts and Analysis
Bologna enters this tie with the momentum of a recent victory over Torino, which helped end a disappointing four-game losing streak. Their technical quality and the “Italiano factor” should, on paper, be too much for Brann to handle over two legs. However, the Norwegian side’s resilience at home cannot be ignored. They successfully shut out Bologna earlier this season, and if they can replicate that defensive discipline in the first leg, the second leg in Italy could become a very nervous affair for the Rossoblù.
The key battle will be in the midfield: if Bologna’s Freuler and Moro can control the tempo despite the cold, they should find the gaps in a Brann defense that has conceded in each of its last eight matches. Expect a cagey first leg, with Bologna likely aiming to take a narrow lead—or at least a clean sheet—back to Italy.
