UEFA Champions League
AS Roma vs Real Madrid Preview
The Giallorossi welcome current champions Madrid to Rome for a match that may decide the winner of Group G. Both clubs sit top the group on nine points and a win for either would mean qualification to the knockout rounds.
Although the visitors decidedly won the reverse fixture 3-0 at home, ‘Los Blancos’ have struggled ever since. A coaching change seemed to have resolved the team’s issues. However, the weekend told a different story.
Surprisingly, the Spanish giants loss 3-0 away to Eibar, effectually ending a four game winning streak. As a result, Tuesday’s visit to the Stadio Olimpico will serve as further evaluation of Real’s state of affairs.
Similarly, Roma are enduring a difficult run domestically and currently sit seventh in Seria A. Eusebio Di Francesco’s men will hope a victory against the Spanish giants can inspire success domestically as they have had in Europe.
Team News
The Italians are without Kostas Manolas once again due to an injury the Greek defender suffered on the international break. Likewise, captain Daniele De Rossi continues to be out long term with a knee injury.
Attacking midfielders Javier Pastore and Diego Perotti are also out for the home team.
For the most part, Madrid coach Santiago Solari has been unpredictable with his starting eleven. However, several injuries for the thirteen-time European champions means the Argentine coach has limited options.
Alvaro Odriozola exited the match early on the weekend, joining Nacho and Casemiro on the team’s injury list. Regardless, Dani Carvajal’s return last game means Madrid’s championship winning defense is back together.
Lineups and Prediction
Roma: Olsen; Santon, Fazio, Jesus, Kolarov; N’Zonzi, Cristante; Florenzi, Pellegrini, Under; Dzeko
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Modric; Lucas, Benzema, Bale
In short, this is a tough match to predict. While Real Madrid may have won the majority of the fixtures between these two historic clubs, their current form is in question.
Besides, Roma’s last victory against the Spanish club was at home. Manager Eusebio Di Francesco will focus on containing Karim Benzema as the Frenchman appears to be the only player in good scoring form for the visitors.
As was demonstrated on the weekend, the Madrid’s defense is still vulnerable. Team captain Sergio Ramos will need to sort out the issues affecting his back line now that his veterans are all back from injury.
In midfield, Steven Nzonzi and Alessandro Florenzi will feel confident in facing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Both Madrid players are currently under performing and look nothing like the duo that won 3 Champions League titles.
Out of twelve previous meetings between the two clubs, only one has ended in a draw. It seems the safest bet is to plan for a second one, setting up the final group stage match day to decide who progresses and wins the group.
AS Roma 2 – 2 Real Madrid
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
