AS ROMA 0-2 REAL MADRID
6.49pm...
in total, these two teams have met on eight occasions in UEFA
competition, with Real Madrid recording four wins, Roma three and the
final fixture finishing level. The two European sides have faced off in
two high-profile friendlies in recent years, but have surprisingly not
actually met in a competitive match since clashing at this stage of the
Champions League in the 2007-08 season.
6.52pmIt
was Roma that advanced on that particular occasion courtesy of 2-1 wins
both home and away against the Spanish giants. Real Madrid have been
victorious on three of their four visits to Roma in the Champions
League, however, and have also never failed to score in Rome. You fancy
that the home team need to secure a positive result tonight if they are
to stand a chance in the second leg next month.
6.55pmRight,
without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the
all-important team news from Rome. Who have Luciano Spalletti and
Zinedine Zidane placed their faith in for this match...
6.58pmTEAMS:ROMA: Szczesny; Florenzi, Manolas, Rudiger, Digne; Vainqueur, Pjanic, Nainggolan; Salah, El Shaarawy, Perotti
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; James, Benzema, Ronaldo
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; James, Benzema, Ronaldo
7.01pmFrancisco
Totti and Daniele de Rossi are both on the bench for Roma tonight as
they nurse calf problems, while Eden Dzeko has also been left out of the
starting XI. It appears that the home side will line up without a
recognised centre-forward, although pacey Italian international Stephan
El Shaarawy is expected to start through the middle with support from
both Mohamed Salah and Diego Perotti. Roma's skipper for tonight's match
will be 24-year-old right-back Alessandro Florenzi.
© AFP
© AFP
7.04pmAs
for Real Madrid, experienced left-back Marcelo has returned from a
shoulder problem to start. That is the only change from their 4-2 win
over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, with Danilo the player dropping to
the bench. Gareth Bale's ongoing calf problem means that James Rodriguez
keeps his spot in the final third alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, while Isco starts as part of a midfield three.
7.07pmSo
there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little under 40
minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Rome. Tonight will see
Zidane take charge of his first Real Madrid match in the Champions
League and it will be a new and interesting test for the Frenchman, who
has not tasted defeat since replacing much-criticised Rafael Benitez as
head coach of Los Blancos earlier last month.
© AFP
© AFP
7.10pmI
shall talk a little bit more about Real Madrid before kickoff, but
let's start with Roma. Incredibly, the Italian side only won one of
their Group E matches, but they managed to qualify behind Barcelona, who
they held to a 1-1 draw in Rome, before losing 6-1 in Spain. Barcelona
found it tough in this stadium earlier this season and Roma will be
looking for a similar performance this time around.
7.13pmThis
is Roma's first appearance in the knockout stage of the Champions
League since the 2010-11 season and on that occasion they were dumped
out by Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. What's more, the Serie A giants
have not made it into the quarter-finals since 2008. In truth, their
performance in the group stages – where they conceded 16 goals in six
games – will not have worried Real Madrid.
7.16pmRoma's
European home record against Spanish teams is won six, drawn one and
lost five, while they have lost three of their five two-legged affairs
with La Liga opposition. Quite incredibly, Roma have also won just two
of their last 15 Champions League matches and have lost seven times in
the process.
7.19pmWhat's
more, Roma have only kept one clean sheet in their last 20 Champions
League matches, which is not exactly trophy-winning form. The Italian
side have only lost one of their last 13 games in all competitions,
however, and that was against Serie A champions Juventus. Indeed, a
four-game winning run in the Italian top flight has moved Spalletti's
side into fourth position in the table.
© AFP
© AFP
7.22pmAs
for Real Madrid, this is the 19th consecutive season that the Spanish
giants have made it through to the knockout stage of this competition,
which is an all-time record. They finished top of Group A ahead of
French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who beat Chelsea 2-1 last night,
earlier this season and have made at least the semi-finals of the
European Cup in each of the last five seasons.
7.25pmJust
two clubs are unbeaten in this season's Champions League and Real
Madrid are one of them. The other? Barcelona. Who knew? Since Zidane
replaced Benitez last month, Real Madrid have been in excellent form and
will enter this match off the back of a 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao at
the weekend, which saw them close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona
to four points. That gap now stands at seven, however, because the
Catalan giants have just won their game in hand away to struggling
Sporting Gijon.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
7.28pmFor
all the Roma fans losing faith, some hope is about to come your way.
Incredibly, Real Madrid have failed to win on any of their last eight
visits to Italy – losing four times in the process. What's more, Los
Blancos have lost each of their last eight two-legged ties against Serie
A opposition, including last season when they were dumped out of the
competition by Juventus in the semi-finals.
7.32pmIndeed,
the last time that Real Madrid managed to overcome Serie A opposition
over two legs was in the 1987-89 season, when they beat Napoli (3-1) in
the European Champion Clubs' Cup first round. Real Madrid are rightly
the favourites tonight and for the tie overall, but recent history
suggests that it will not be all plain sailing for Zidane's side.
Kickoff is fast approaching in Rome!
7.38pmPREDICTION!
I am just leaning towards a Real Madrid win tonight. Barcelona found it
difficult in Rome earlier this season and it would not surprise me one
bit if this finished level, but I look at the two teams and I fancy Los
Blancos to secure a first-leg win. My score prediction is 2-1 Real
Madrid.
7.42pmSo,
we've found out that Ronaldo does not have Bale or Benzema over for
tea, or supper, or tapas. Anything really. What matters is what happens
on the field, according to Ronaldo. Bale is not available tonight, but
Benzema starts and the Frenchman has 16 goals in his last 12 games.
0 minKICKOFF!
Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the
flags have been exchanged. This has all the makings of a very
entertaining game of football and as expected, there is a wonderful
atmosphere in Rome tonight. It is the home side that kick us off here...
2 min...
it has been a bright start from the home team, who have already managed
to deliver a dangerous cross into the Real Madrid box. It was Florenzi
that attempted to pick out Perotti inside the box, but Navas was on hand
to claim. The resulting goal-kick allows Real Madrid to see some
possession.
4 minJames
combines with Benzema just outside the Real Madrid box, but the former
runs into traffic and Roma manage to clear. Both teams are just feeling
each other out in the early moments here.
5 minGood
football from the away side as Ronaldo drifts to the left before
picking out Marcelo, whose cross is cleared for the first corner of the
match. Florenzi goes down following a challenge with Benzema, but it
does appear that the Roma skipper will be fit to continue after some
treatment.
7 minRoma's
first counter sees Perotti slide a super ball into Salah, but the pacy
midfielder cannot run away from Marcelo, who is no slouch. Real Madrid
will have the majority of the ball tonight, but they will need to be
aware of Roma's counter-attacking threat, which has the potential to be
very dangerous.
11 minSlightly
untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with Roma
guilty of a number of late challenges. Still no bookings, however, and
Real Madrid remain in control of the possession.
12 minKroos
delivers a free kick into the Roma box, but Digne does well to head
clear and the home side are suddenly on the counter. Salah races away,
but Marcelo is on hand to make the challenge.
14 minRoma
have just managed to enjoy a spell of possession in the last couple of
minutes and they are looking dangerous when they quicken the pace in the
final third of the field. Perotti attempts to play a quick one-two with
Salah, but Ramos is alive to the danger and wins a free kick for his
team.
16 minSlightly untidy from Real Madrid in the last minute or two as they relinquish possession to Roma.
17 minCHANCE!
Roma come closest to taking the lead here as Perotti pokes a low pass
into El Shaarawy, who attempts to beat Navas from close range, but his
effort was always too high.
20 minIt
did appear that Real Madrid would really dominate this game after
making such a strong start, but Roma have responded well and look
dangerous when they commit numbers in the final third. The visitors are
currently popping the ball around, but they have not seen a goal threat
thus far here.
22 minPretty
much all Real Madrid since Roma had that chance in the 17th minute, but
the home side are not really being threatened at the moment. Szczesny
has not had a save to make and that remains the case as another corner
from Kroos is headed clear - well behind for another Real Madrid set
piece.
24 minVainqueur
has made three late challenges on Ronaldo and is yet to receive a
yellow card. The Roma midfielder is a very lucky boy at the moment. Real
Madrid continue to pass and probe in Rome.
25 minSalah
uses his electric pace to run away from Ramos, but the attacker just
loses control at the vital moment and Navas resumes with a goal kick.
Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock tonight.
29 minMarcelo
shifts down the line for Real Madrid before delivering into a dangerous
area, but Rudiger is on hand to make the challenge. Roma attempt to
break, but the referee brings the play back for offside when advantage
could have been played. Not an awful lot happening at the moment here.
31 minMarcelo
finds Isco on the edge of the Real Madrid box, but the Spaniard's
strike is blocked by Manolas as the pressure starts to build. Los
Blancos are now moving the ball quicker up top.
33 minMarcelo
has been a big threat for Real Madrid in the opening 33 minutes as the
Brazilian continues to take up space on the left and Florenzi is having a
tough time dealing with the full-back and also Ronaldo, who has
struggled to get into the game tonight. Still goalless in this last-16
first leg in Rome.
34 minCLOSE!
Marcelo attempts a spectacular volley from just inside the box, but his
effort drops wide of the post. Wonderful technique from the full-back,
but just wide of the Roma goal!
36 minPerotti
slides a pass into El Shaarawy and the attacker looks to release a
strike, but Ramos is on hand to make a fine block, before Marcelo blocks
Pjanic's strike for a corner. This is better!
39 minLittle
over five minutes of the first period remaining and both sides have
been guilty of conceding possession too easily in the last couple of
minutes. It has actually been quite a poor game.
42 minReal
Madrid threaten as Carvajal delivers a low cross into Benzema, but the
Frenchman's strike is blocked, before Ronaldo is also denied by a Roma
leg. The home side break down the other end and force it wide into
Digne, but the full-back cannot escape the attention of James Rodriguez.
45 minWonderful
defending from Varane as the Real Madrid centre-back uses his pace to
stretch across and challenge El Shaarawy, whose pace had taken him free
and into the away side's penalty box!
8.32pmSo
there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with
the two teams level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been brilliant in terms
of entertainment. It has been interesting on a tactical level, but
clear chances have been at a premium. Let's hope for an upturn in the
second 45 minutes!
8.37pmSTATISTICS!
Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 65%, but they have not
managed a single attempt on target despite having seven shots. Roma,
meanwhile, have had three shots, but also not managed to hit the target.
No yellow cards to report int he opening half of action in Rome.
8.42pmBENCH WATCH!
Roma have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with
the likes of Dzeko, Totti, Falque and Keita all available. Real Madrid,
meanwhile, have options in the shape of Jese Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez and Kovacic. Plenty of talent on both benches tonight!
46 minRESTART!
Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the
second period of action. Will we have a breakthrough in Rome? It is Real
Madrid that resume proceedings...
47 min...
no changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a
surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations
in mind as the second period develops here.
49 minNot
too much to report in terms of clear chances in the early stages of the
second period, but both teams are passing and probing in the final
third. Salah's pace continues to cause problems to Real Madrid's
back-line, but Ramos has been pretty much faultless for the visitors in
Rome tonight.
51 minNainggolan
drives to the edge of the Real Madrid box before striking towards goal,
but Ramos is on hand to make the block. Pretty lively start to this
half as both sides commit players forward.
51 minControversial
moment as Vainqueur uses a high foot to clear a super pass from
Ronaldo, which was dropping onto the chest of James. The Real Madrid
attacker actually looked offside there!
55 minRonaldo
goes down following a challenge with Manolas, but the referee is not
interested and waves play on. It would be fair to say that Ronaldo has
had a very frustrating night thus far in Rome.
56 minCHANCE!
El Shaaraway breaks through on the Real Madrid goal after showing the
pace needed to beat Carvajal, but Navas races off his line to make the
challenge!
58 minOh
it just had to be him didn't it! Real Madrid take the lead just before
the hour as Ronaldo collects a pass from Marcelo, cuts inside his
full-back and angles one into the top corner! Brilliant!
60 minCHANCE!
Real Madrid are in again as Ronaldo breaks the offside trap before
squaring for a teammate, but there is no-one with him! Any touch would
have meant 2-0 Real Madrid!
66 minRoma
just cannot seem to keep the ball at the moment as Real Madrid continue
to force the issue. Salah manages to beat the offside trap and strike
on goal, but the attacker was always falling backwards and it was
comfortable for Navas, who quickly released Ronaldo on the left.
68 minThe
home supporters are doing their best to drive their team forward, but
Real Madrid are finding gaps in the final third and you sense that
another Los Blancos goal is on the way tonight.
71 minBenzema
decides to drive through the heart of the Roma defence and the
Frenchman almost squeezes through, but Roma regain possession and Salah
breaks down the other end. Indeed, the attacker delivers a super cross
towards Dzeko, but Varane is across to make a smart challenge.
73 minCLOSE!
Oh my goodness! Vainqueur lets fly from outside the Real Madrid box and
the midfielder's effort just moves wide of the post! Navas looked to be
in trouble there!
74 minCLOSE!
Ronaldo meets a cross from James and looks certain to be finding the
back of the net with a header, but the ball just drops wide of the post!
What a chance there!
76 minCHANCE!
James delivers a stunning cross onto the head of Benzema, who looks
certain to head home, but Digne is on hand to make a wonderful block!
That looked to be 2-0!
79 minCHANCE!
Dzeko is next to come close for the home side, but the striker cannot
squeeze his effort into the near post under pressure from Navas. Cannot
take your eyes off this game!
81 minPENALTY SHOUT!
Florenzi goes down under a challenge from Carvajal, but the referee
says no penalty! It looked one to me and replays seem to confirm that.
84 minNot
much happened in the first period tonight, but the second half has been
flooded with opportunities at both ends of the field. Ronaldo's effort
remains the difference in Rome.
86 minRoma
are all over the place at the back at the moment and they are very
fortunate not to have conceded a second goal. In truth, Benzema really
should have scored at least twice tonight.
87 minThat
might well be tie over! Real Madrid have their second as Jese drives
into the Roma box before firing a low effort into the bottom corner.
What a massive goal that is in the context of this tie!
90 min+3Not
an awful lot to report as we enter the final minute of stoppage time
here. Real Madrid are going to secure a very good win ahead of the
return in Madrid next month.
Tables
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Barcelona | 24 | 46 | 60 |
| 2 | Atletico Madrid | 24 | 24 | 54 |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 24 | 47 | 53 |
| 4 | Villarreal | 24 | 12 | 48 |
| 5 | Sevilla | 24 | 10 | 40 |
| 6 | Eibar | 24 | 7 | 36 |
| 7 | Athletic Bilbao | 24 | 1 | 35 |
| 8 | Celta Vigo | 24 | -7 | 35 |
| 9 | Deportivo La Coruna | 24 | 3 | 32 |
| 10 | Malaga | 24 | 0 | 30 |
| 11 | Real Sociedad | 24 | 0 | 30 |
| 12 | Valencia | 24 | 3 | 28 |
| 13 | Getafe | 24 | -10 | 26 |
| 14 | Real Betis | 24 | -15 | 26 |
| 15 | Rayo Vallecano | 24 | -17 | 24 |
| 16 | Sporting Gijon | 24 | -14 | 23 |
| 17 | Espanyol | 24 | -27 | 22 |
| 18 | Las Palmas | 24 | -15 | 21 |
| 19 | Granada | 24 | -24 | 20 |
| 20 | Levante | 24 | -24 | 17 |
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