Despite their long streak without success, Bologna almost got a dream start, as Jean Butez was forced into an impressive first-minute save to deny Nicolò Cambiaghi.
The hosts responded well to that early warning, and Jesús Rodríguez landed their first shot on target in the seventh minute, though Federico Ravaglia was able to make a comfortable save.
However, Ravaglia was finally tested for real at the midway point of the first half, when he needed to be fully alert to prevent Nico Paz’s long-range shot from giving Como the lead.
With half time looming, the Lariani came desperately close to breaking the deadlock when a superb left-wing delivery was played in by captain Lucas Da Cunha.
It looked for all the world that Mërgim Vojvoda would simply stroke the ball home from just a few yards out, but a heroic interception from Remo Freuler kept the score goalless at the interval.
And Como began the second half on the front foot too, as a superb run saw Rodríguez dance his way past two opponents to put the Spaniard into a great position, but his end product let him down, and his close-range shot was scuffed wide of the target.
It would quickly prove to be a costly miss for the Lariani, when Cambiaghi broke into the 18-yard area after the hosts were dispossessed in midfield, and smartly poked the ball into the back of the net with his left foot.
Cambiaghi’s joy at securing his third Serie A goal of the season would turn to despair just ten minutes later though, as he was eventually shown a straight red card after the referee was asked to check his video monitor, due to an elbow that caught the face of Ignace Van Der Brempt, sending Bologna down to ten men.
The drama certainly didn’t end there either, as, shortly after the hour mark, Rosario Abisso initially awarded the Lariani a penalty after Anastasios Douvikas appeared to be tripped by Martin Vitík.
However, a video monitor review reversed the decision, much to Como’s chagrin. With more than a hint of anger, the hosts peppered Bologna’s goal in the later minutes. Paz notably hit the woodwork from 15 yards out, followed by a wasted opportunity from Maxence Caqueret.
Remarkably, though, the hosts rescued a point deep into stoppage time, thanks to a wonderful finish from Martin Baturina to deafening cheers across the stadium.
Though Cesc Fàbregas’ side’s winning run ended at just three games, they still remain sixth while sitting just two points behind a top-four position. Meanwhile, Bologna remain seventh and will aim to finally return to winning ways on Thursday, when they take on Hellas Verona away from home.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jesús Rodríguez (Como)