Roma vs Chelsea - as it happened: Italians put Antonio Conte's men to the sword in Champions League clash
Re-live all the action from the Stadio Olimpico
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea head to Rome tonight hopeful of sealing qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
Currently top of Group C with seven points from three games, a victory for the Blues against Roma would guarantee qualification for the last-16 if Atletico Madrid also fail to earn three points against Qarabag in the Spanish capital.
The West Londoners will appreciate how difficult this task may prove, however, following the thrilling 3-3 draw played out between these two sides when they met two weeks ago at Stamford Bridge. Braces from Eden Hazard and ex-Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko made for an exciting encounter that night, but both sides will endeavour to provide improved defensive displays in the second leg of their double header.
As a result - despite playing only two full days ago in their 1-0 away win at Bournemouth, and with a crucial clash with Manchester United this weekend - expect Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to field a strong team. The Italian, who knows first-hand how intimidating playing away at the Stadio Olimpico can be after spending over 15 years in Serie A as a player and manager, may be tempted to return midfielder N’Golo Kante to the starting XI after a four-game absence.
Roma, without defenders Kostas Manolas and Rick Karsdorp, will be aiming to continue their unbeaten form in the competition so far this season, knowing that a single win over either Chelsea or Atletico will be enough to secure progression.
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What time does it start?
Roma vs Chelsea kicks off at 19:45
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 19:00. Highlights will be shown at 22:15 on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Antonio Rudiger. Having enjoyed two effective seasons with Roma, the German only played 13 minutes as a substitute against his former employers two weeks ago. He is likely to be entrusted with a full 90 in a wing-back role by Conte this evening on his return to the Stadio Olimpico.
Best stat…
5. Chelsea have suffered a five-game winless streak away to Italian clubs in the Champions League, losing four and drawing one, with the Blues conceding at least two goals on each of those occasions.
Remember when…
Okay, it was only two weeks ago, but you shouldn’t need an excuse to re-watch this stunning left-foot volley from Edin Dzeko. Some good commentary too...
Player to watch…
Alvaro Morata. After a misreported confession that he was unsettled in London, the Spaniard has dramatically reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea for ten more years, if they’ll have him. Following seven goals in his first seven games for Antonio Conte’s side, the striker has suffered for rhythm after sustaining a thigh strain against Manchester City. He would love to rediscover some of his best form against Roma, a side he has failed to score against in five previous attempts.
Three previous meetings…
Chelsea 3 (Luiz, Hazard x2) Roma 3 (Kolarov, Dzeko x2), Champions League, October 2017
Roma 3 (Panucci, Vucinic x2) Chelsea 1 (Terry), Champions League, November 2008
Chelsea 1 (Terry) Roma 0, Champions League, October 2008
Form guide…
Roma: WLDWWW
Chelsea: LLDWWW
Odds…
Roma: 17/10
Chelsea: 13/8
Draw: 27/11
6 mins: Anthony Martial drives forward from deep and draws a foul on the edge of the box as Ruben Dias mistimes his tackle.
Martial takes the freekick and sends it over by some way. You imagine Juan Mata will be having the next one.
Penalty to Manchester United!
Anthony Martial drives into the box and Douglas goes to ground and catches the ball with his arm. Stonewall.
Saved!
Anthony Martial rolls the ball to the goalkeepers right and Mile Svilar goes the right way to palm the ball away.
Mile Svilar, 18, became the youngest goalkeeper to start in the Champions League when Manchester United played Benfica in the previous game.
He let Marcus Rashford's effort slip through his palms earlier in the month but he's made up for that tonight with a great save from the spot.
18 mins: Daivd De Gea makes a great save of his own from Diogo Gonçalves' effort. The winger cuts inside and arrows a shot towards goal but De Gea springs up and pushes the ball away.
20 mins: To say Manchester United are on top is a lie. All the traffic is heading towards United's goal, there are a few nervy whispers in the Old Trafford crowd.
22 mins: Jesse Lingard looks in trouble. He takes a knee to the back and goes down in agony. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is ready on the sideline as Lingard receives treatment off the pitch.
23 mins: Eric Bailly enters the referee's book for stopping a counter attack on the halfway line. Previous to that United wanted another penalty but their appeal was denied by the referee as Juan Mata tumbles over Ljubomir Fejsa's tackle.
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