Bologna prevailed in a seven-goal thriller as they defeated Roma 4-3 after extra time at Stadio Olimpico to win 5-4 on aggregate in their Europa League last 16 tie.

Nicolo Cambiaghi was the matchwinner for Bologna, scoring in the 111th minute to silence the Roma faithful and set up a quarter-final clash against Unai Emery's Aston Villa.

After Zeki Celik's last-ditch intervention denied Santiago Castro early on, Jonathan Rowe found the back of the net with a stunning finish into the top-right corner in the 22nd minute after being picked out on the edge of the box.

That lead lasted only 10 minutes as Evan Ndicka headed in from Lorenzo Pellegrini's corner, though Bologna were back ahead before the break as Federico Bernardeschi scored from the penalty spot after Stephan El Shaarawy brought down Nadir Zortea in the box.

The visitors made it 3-1 in the second leg early in the second half as Castro smashed the ball past Mile Svilar after great persistence from Rowe, though Roma received a lifeline when Remo Freuler fouled Robinio Vaz and Donyell Malen scored a spot-kick of his own in the 69th minute. 

And then Pellegrini, who twice went close from free-kicks either side of half-time, restored parity in the tie with a finish from distance that was out of Federico Ravaglia's reach with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. 

There was little to separate the two sides in extra time, but with nine minutes to go, Thijs Dallinga played an inch-perfect pass for Cambiaghi, whose shot hit the inside of the near post before nestling in the far corner.

Data Debrief: Bologna battle to victory at the Roman Colosseum

It looked as if Roma were destined to win after recovering from a 3-1 deficit in the second leg, but Bologna refused to give up at Stadio Olimpico.

Although Bologna lost the expected goal (xG) battle 2.09 to 1.69, the visitors recorded more shots on target (nine to seven) and created more big chances (four to two).

It looked as if Vincenzo Italiano had taken Rowe and Castro off too soon, with the two forwards leading the Bologna fight. Rowe created a match-high four chances, while Castro recorded the most shots for Bologna (three), though it worked out in the end.