CL 2nd Leg: A.S Roma - Real Madrid [05-03-08]

[sinoy1]

Its.A little heat like this is good to get the boys in the spirit of playing.Ofcourse its a double edge sword.I would really like Cicinho starting.He's our best 1 on 1 defender.Perrotta on the bench and Aquilani playing.Pizarro needs to stop giving away the ball.If we can do this and have Totti's back hold up for the match then we'll be fine I feel.

We REALLY need JUAN!

[dukeofdavinci]

We REALLY need JUAN!

we clearly missed his presence in the past 3 serie a' games

but the good news is he will be back for the real game

[Pennywise]

How things in the Roma Camp before the match?

My $0,2 is that Roma will win in Rome...2-0 maybe.

Madrid have lost 2 out of their three last matches and will miss their best defender (Pepe) and their best attacking weapon (Robinho)
Wesley Sneijder, Javier Saviola and Christoph Metzelder are out with injures too while both Heinze and Van Nistelrooy have struggled with some injures the last months and will not be 100 %.

Its also a big benefit to play home, so If you work hard tonight, you've good chances to beat this Madrid team.

[D-Kin]

Panucci's Madrid memories Monday 18 February, 2008

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On the eve of Roma’s Champions League showdown against Real Madrid, Christian Panucci has relived his successful spell with the Merengues.

The 34-year-old is a crucial figure for Roma and has played over 150 games for the Giallorossi, but he still has fond memories of the club he represented between 1997 and 1999.

“We started a winning cycle during that time,” the Ligurian star explained. “They were amazing times.

“We won the League, the Champions League in 1997-98, the Intercontinental Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

“They were two and a half fantastic years that gave me the great experience of fulfilling the club’s dream of conquering Europe after a 32-year wait.

“I believe that I always showed professionalism and was a hard-working and earnest player in Madrid.

“It was a great place to work due to its professional tranquillity and life there is really amazing.”

There have been reports of a ferocious argument between Panucci and teammate Alberto Aquilani ahead of tomorrow’s crunch match at the Stadio Olimpico, but both men are in the squad and are believed to have patched up their disagreement.

Roma (squad): Goalkeepers: Doni, Julio Sergio, Zotti
Defenders: Antunes, Cassetti, Cicinho, Ferrari, Juan, Mexes, Panucci, Tonetto
Midfielders: Aquilani, Brighi, De Rossi, Esposito, Giuly, Mancini, Perrotta, Pit, Pizarro, Taddei
Strikers: Totti, Vucinic

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Schuster: We can conquer Rome Tuesday 19 February, 2008

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A depleted Real Madrid arrive at the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma tonight, but there is optimism in the Merengues camp.

Just as Roma have been going through a tough spell after defeats against Siena and Juventus, Real have also endured something of a slump.

The Spanish champions have slipped up against Almeria and Real Betis this month and are lacking some key men, including Brazilian marksman Robinho.

“We are confident, even if it is a tough undertaking,” Real Coach Bernd Schuster insisted.

“Our aim is to get through and to do that we will look to bring back a base for qualification from the Stadio Olimpico. But the fact that we have a second leg at the Bernabeu is a bonus.

“It’s not a bad time for us, but of course I would have liked to have a full squad at my disposal.”

Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze has been out of action for a month, but he may return in the Eternal City.

“Perhaps it would be a risk to send him out there,” Schuster mused. “We will see whether he plays a whole game or less.”

Meanwhile, veteran striking star Raul is keen to dismiss Spanish Press reports labelling the clash as “Francesco Totti v Raul.”

“It’s clear that this game is Roma v Real Madrid and not Totti v Raul,” said the man with 59 European goals to his name.

“Totti is a great player and Roma’s star man, but they are more than just Totti because their entire side is full of quality.

“The Giallorossi are a dangerous team as they are fast and tough to play against.

“But we need to regain our pedigree in Europe and the Champions League is one of our main objectives for this season.

“Totti said that it was a scandal that I didn’t win the Ballon d’Or? Coming from such a great player, I am highly flattered, but that’s all in the past now.”

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro, Giuly, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti

Real Madrid (probable): Casillas; Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Torres; Gago, Guti, Diarra; Robben, Van Nistelrooy, Raul

channel4.com - Football Italia

[sinoy1]

WHAT A BUNCH OF DIVERS...first Raul now Robben...wtf.

[sinoy1]

half time 1-1.

Perrotta needs off.He's not running.He's wasting areas of space.Aquilani and Cici to be introduced I hope.Wouldnt mind see Vucinic.Totti has had a poor touch for the past 4 games.Theres something wrong with him.

[sinoy1]

wtf is this....real madrid player goes down..theres a call but not for roma when its just as bad?....garbage.

[sinoy1]

Aquilani in for Perrotta now please.If not Im afraid we might conceed very soon.

[sinoy1]

AS I TYPE THIS MANCINI MAKES IT 2-1!!!

[sinoy1]

Wonderful pass by Totti.

[sinoy1]

Piza off Aquilani in.Wouldnt mind Brighi at this moment in time.

[sinoy1]

another dive...another card for Roma.

[sinoy1]

Juan just came off an injury and Ramos shows his studs on his tackle.Dirty yet effective.Given the fact that Juan has been great.

[sinoy1]

Another dirty tackle.This time on Totti from Gago.Shit dont end.De Rossi wont be having any of it.Looking for Aquilani to do something dangerous