Real Madrid breezed through the group stage of the Champions League and are the assumed favorites in their date on the pitch when they pay a visit to Italy for the first leg of their last-16 clash versus Roma.
Roma vs Real Madrid
How they got here:
Roma finished 2nd in group E which was dominated by Barcelona while conceding more goal than they scored 11-16. Real Madrid were group A winners with a record of 5 wins and 1 draw while scoring 19 and conceding only 3.
Previous Meetings:
These sides have met in European play 8 previous times with Madrid winning 4 losing 3 with a draw to close out their record. They haven’t met in a meaningful match since meeting in the Champions League round of 16 in 2008 and the Italian side came away with victories in both matches by a 2-1 identical scoreline. Only Totti and De Rossi remain from that side while Real Madrids squad has changed and for
the better with a solid 11 with more talent on the bench as well.
Current Form:
Roma’s form since match day 6 comprises of 3 wins 3 losses and 4 draws and they’ll play 2 more Serie A matches with the final one 5 day’s prior to hosting Madrid in Leg 1. Real Madrid have accumulated 8 wins 2 losses and 2 draws since match day 6 although one of those losses was a 3-0 win awarded to Cadiz in Copa del Rey action after Madrid had won their match although fielding an ineligible player.
Odds: To Advance — Real Madrid -540 Roma +439
Odds: Leg 1 Roma +315 Draw +282 Real Madrid -107
Predictions:
This one seems straight forward as Real Madrid are playing some skillful and impressive soccer with very few blips on their record this season. This will also mark the first Champions League game for new manager Zinedine Zidane who took over for Benitez in January. With the Roma side struggling against the better Serie A squad and having virtually backed into this round of 16 it’s this corners opinion that Real Madrid not only advance to the Quarter Finals but will do so winning both legs.
Real Madrid to Advance at -540 and Real Madrid -107 in Leg 1.
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