GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Roma will look to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages tomorrow night as they travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid.
Avoiding defeat will be enough to definitely see Roma through, regardless of the result between Chelsea and Qarabag. It has been an extraordinary Champions League campaign so far, with Roma the only unbeaten team in the group. Given that Roma were the third seed, that's a remarkable accomplishment. If Roma can maintain that unbeaten Champions League record, they will be assured of a place in the hat for the Last 16 draw - and if they win, it's likely they'll progress as group champions. That doesn't mean tomorrow's game will be easy - Atletico Madrid remain a well-drilled side always capable of performing on the European stage. However, they aren't in the greatest run of form at present, and Roma will look to capitalise on that. Diego Simeone's men have drawn a remarkable seven of their last nine games, failing to score more than one goal in any of them. This has included unexpected draws with Qarabag (twice), Elche and Leganes. And whilst they have prevented Real Madrid and Barcelona beating them, they certainly won't be happy with their recent record. Midfielder Thomas Partey has been in good scoring form, netting in three of the last five games. However, star man Antoine Griezmann is without a goal since his penalty against Chelsea in September, perhaps reflective of the way his team have dried up as a whole. If Atletico are to succeed again, they need to get the Frenchman firing. In the previous match between the two sides this season, Atletico were on top, with eighteen shots to Roma's eight. Heroics from Alisson ensured Roma kept their visitors at bay and were awarded with a point. The 0-0 draw was a big result, showing good spirit and defensive resilience from Eusebio Di Francesco's team. The line up that day didn't feature Federico Fazio or Stephan El Shaarawy. Either of these players could be looking to make a difference tomorrow and help Roma achieve a better result against the Spaniards. El Shaarawy in particular will be looking to continue his good European form - he scored two very good goals in the last Champions League match against Chelsea. Roma go in to tomorrow's game with nothing to fear. Atletico are not in the greatest period of form, and have failed to win a single game in the Champions League this season. Di Francesco's team must back themselves to get a result against their opponents and continue the remarkable European campaign.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|