UCL R16 : Shakthar Donetsk Vs Roma

Classic Roma I would say they would choke and get eliminated after dominating the games and then getting 3 red cards like with Porto. This new look Roma probably should be confident here.

New look or old look, you can't take the 'Roma' out of Roma

This is a 50-50 tie for me. From Roma's perspective this would considered an easier draw but they always find a way to fck it up somehow.

Yeah that's why I say "probably".

Winning the group against Chelsea and Atletico is something that the old Roma would have never done (it was only their second time ever winning a group and it was a tough one at that). I'm sure EDF, Totti, Monchi and co. like their draw.

Yeah a lot of Romanisti are rather pleased with this draw considering we could've gotten Madrid or Bayern. Personally, I'm content, but realistic. Shakhtar battered us last time we faced them. A lot has changed of course, but that mentality could re-surface at any moment. Beating an out of form Chelsea and a declining Atleti are papering over the cracks that I still see in this team, namely a lack of creativity outside of the starting XI and a lapses in defensive focus. Shakhtar (especially away to them) could expose that, especially with their attackers.

This is a very dangerous tie for us. We play better in general when the underdogs than we do when we're expected to get something out of a match or tie. I think that will work against us here.

That said, this will be a great acid test for just how strong EDF's mentality has taken hold on this squad. If we put together another couple of months of reasonable to good form and keep the pace with the top 3, I think that bodes well going into this tie.

rincon wrote:Classic Roma I would say they would choke and get eliminated after dominating the games and then getting 3 red cards like with Porto. This new look Roma probably should be confident here.

My worst nightmare. Please, please, please Roma; don't mess this up.

Some Roma news for the game.

After going through a terrible period they started to get back on track winning the last 3 games. They still haven't shaken off some of the problems that got them losing so many points. Dzeko is still misfiring.

Florenzi is a doubt for the game since he is sick. Under's recent form might earn him a starting spot.

They should come out with something like this:

Alisson; Kolarov, Manolas, Fazio, Peres; Strootman, De Rossi; Perotti, Nainggolan, Under; Dzeko

Ugh Peres. I hope he's learned something from not playing recently. Like how to defend.

There seems to be uncertainty as to whether Under starts, which is puzzling. They may think he needs a rest. I doubt he thinks that though.

Basically, we must play the perfect game, especially defensively. Shakhtar love to press aggressively and they are very good at forcing errors in the backlines. Taison, Marlos, Fred, Bernard and Ferreyra. Srna missing is a huge boost for us though.

They haven't kept many clean sheets so an away goal is likely if we keep taking our chances like in the last few games. As long as they don't embarrass us like the last time we went there, we have a chance in the 2nd leg.

Marlos looks a proper player. Dangerous everytime he's on the ball.

We're very worried about Shakhtar's countering ability. Easy to tell with how tentative we've been attacking.

Under!!!

The great Fredrico-you can call him Fred-with a great free kick, possibly aided by shaving cream, to give you that really close shave under the post.

Disgusting save from Allison ffs.

Build this man a statue already.

roma should win at home comfortably

RealGunner wrote:roma should win at home comfortably

That's not something you associate with Roma, sadly

Just found out Allison's surname is Becker. Dint know that at all..

Now I understand where all his goalkeeping talent comes from

I see Shakthar going through here

Roma have a happy knack of screwing up from good positions

Having to come out and win might actually be a blessing for Roma, as it seemed to be with Juventus

I think they'll get it done but ultimately the two teams that advance today from either game are going to be the weakest left in the competition

I have every hope Roma can rise to the occasion like Juve did. They did it against Napoli, but then again no one expected them to. I think that win actually puts even more pressure on Roma. And this club just doesn't handle pressure well. It's what separates them from Juve. I wish with every fiber in my being it wasn't that way, but it is what it is.

The game will be won or lost on the flanks though. Florenzi is going to have to have the game of his life. Shakhtar targeted him relentlessly as the weak link in the backline and they're going to do it again. Good defense and positioning on the flanks will force them into the middle where our midfielders (if Nainggolan, DDR and Strootman are on their game) should be more than a match for them.

From there, we just need the attackers to take the chances Shakhtar's backline will give them.

All well and good and I suppose a solid plan. Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth though.

Not the greatest overall performance, but just enough to get though. Really rode luck today and I found that frustrating.

We have got to be the weakest team left in this comp.

Also - I humbly submit that Strootman's pass is the assist of the round, if not the tournament. That was a superb bit of vision from him to pick out Dzeko.

McLewis wrote:Also - I humbly submit that Strootman's pass is the assist of the round, if not the tournament. That was a superb bit of vision from him to pick out Dzeko.

Unbelievable pass

Shakthar are a good team IMO. Better than Sevilla, good win for Roma.

2 - Two italian teams have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2006/07 (in that case AC Milan won the Cup). Proud.

Serie A

Though they are not that important anymore, Serie A leapfrogged the Bundesliga in the coefficient earler this year and could go over the Premier League after the 5th year is thrown out for next year. The results in CL are a reflection of Serie A improving.