Roma Face Litmus Test against Shakhtar Donetsk

Roma must overturn a 2-1 deficit when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg
of their UEFA Champions League tie, but they are fancied to produce a more disciplined display in Italy.

The first clash was a game of two halves, with the Serie A side dominating play before the break but then struggled to cope with Shakhtar’s attacking talent after the interval.

Admittedly, Shakhtar did look strong going forward in the opening leg, with Facundo Ferreyra equalising and then Fred’s stunning free-kick showing why he has been linked with Manchester City and PSG.

It could have been significantly worse for Roma had Alisson not been in terrific form, producing great saves to deny Ferreyra and Taison.

However, Shakhtar have had their limitations exposed on the road a couple of times this term, losing 2-0 at Manchester City and going down 3-0 at Napoli in their pool.

Roma must now reproduce the home form they showed when they crushed Chelsea 3-0 at
the end of October, one of three clean sheets kept by Brazil international Alisson at the Stadio Olimpico during the group stage.

“We’re disappointed with the result, because we looked to be in control at the break,” commented Captain Daniele De Rossi. “It’s a shame we weren’t so good after the re-start, but now we have another 90 minutes to turn the tie in our favour.”