Roma vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League
17th February 2016
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kickoff: 19:45 pm BST
Live Stream: Watch Roma vs Real Madrid live online
Real Madrid take on Roma in a high profile Champions League encounter this midweek.
The Italians could be without several key players for the tie, who are still recovering from their respective injuries.
Although Real Madrid are without Gareth Bale, the Spanish giants won’t be too concerned about the absence considering Roma’s form in Europe this season.
Roma finished 2nd in group E behind Barcelona. The Italians have had a dodgy campaign so far and have reached here after conceding 16 goals in 6 group games. Coming up agains the likes of Benzema and Ronaldo, that is a menacing statistic.
Meanwhile Real Madrid were group A winners with a record of 5 wins and 1 draw while scoring 19 and conceding only 3. Roma have struggled to score goals in Europe and Real Madrid’s solid back four will cause them a lot of problems.
Earlier this season, Los Blancos were in supreme form in Europe under Rafa Benitez, but the Spaniard has been sacked since then and Zidane will be in charge this time.
Under the Frenchman, Real Madrid have been more attacking as an unit and coming up against the poor defence of Roma, it could get ugly for the Italians.
Roma v Real Madrid Team News
Roma could be without the services of Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti for the visit of Real Madrid on Wednesday.
As for Real Madrid, Marcelo, Pepe and Gareth Bale are the only players unavailable.
Raphael Varane is expected to return for the European outing despite being sent off in their win over Athletic Club at the weekend.
Dani Carvajal is expected to continue at left-back in Marcelo’s absence.
Isco should replace the injured Gareth Bale.
Roma v Real Madrid Starting Lineups
Roma starting lineup: Szczesny; Florenzi, Manolas, Rudiger, Digne; Nainggolan, Pjanic; Shaarawy, Perotti, Salah; Dzeko
Real Madrid starting lineup: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Carvajal; Modric, Kroos; James, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema
Roma v Real Madrid Key Stats
Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches (UEFA Champions League).
Real Madrid have won 5 of their last 6 matches (UEFA Champions League).
Roma have failed to win 10 of their last 11 matches (UEFA Champions League).
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