The Champions League (CL) returns as Roma take on Porto at the Olimpico. The Italians were semi-finalists last season, but have never beaten their Portuguese opponents (D2, L2).
Roma lost their last two matches of the group stage, but progressed from Group G behind Real Madrid (W3, L3). Their loss to Real in the last match of the group stage also put an end to a seven-game CL winning streak at home.
The hosts have graced the Round-of-16 on six previous occasions, progressing in three of those – including last season on away goals against Shakhtar. Roma have also been in good home form since that Real defeat (W4, D2), and overall the ‘Giallorossi’ have scored an average of 2.67 goals per fixture here this season (in all competitions).
Porto won Group D in emphatic fashion, winning five of their six matches (W5, D1), and scoring three goals or more in four of those victories. In all competitions, they are unbeaten in 14 away games, and won 3-0 at this venue in 2016.
The ‘Dragões’ were thumped 5-0 on aggregate at this stage by Liverpool last season, and overall have progressed from just three of their ten appearances in the Round-of-16.
Players to watch: Edin Džeko (Roma) has five goals in four CL matches this campaign, and scored in five of six matches in the knockout stages last season. Porto might rely on Tiquinho Soares, who’s scored four goals in his last five competitive games.
Stat attack: Five of Roma’s six CL fixtures produced at least three match goals, whilst 11 of their 15 competitive home games this season featured four goals or more.
Two thirds of the match goals scored in Roma’s CL fixtures this season arrived during the second half.
Porto’s six CL matches so far have produced 4.17 yellow cards on average.
Will not play
Bianda W.
(Knee Injury)
Aboubakar V.
(Knee Injury)
Olsen R.
(Calf Injury)
Corona J.
(Yellow Cards)
Perotti D.
(Calf Injury)
Marega M.
(Thigh Injury)
Schick P.
(Thigh Injury)
Under C.
(Thigh Injury)
Questionable
Manolas K.
(Groin Injury)
Marius
(Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Makkelie D. (Ned),
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
LIVE STREAMING AS ROMA VS FC PORTO