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
26 mins: Jesse Lingard picks up a yellow card for entering the pitch without permission after receiving treatment on the sideline. Let's hope that one doesn't come back to haunt him.
In Rome...
Elsewhere, Chelsea have responded well to going a goal behind. Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata have both missed good chances.
30 mins: Romelu Lukaku, remember him, forces a save at the near post with a low drive from inside the box.
Moments later he heads over Daley Blind's cross. Are we going to see a first goal in five matches?
33 mins: Jesse Lingard in behind Romelu Lukaku is an idea that has so far failed to take off. A gaping space behind the Belgian is telling and United are struggling to occupy it.
In the stands Benfica fans let off a flare. I imagine Jose Mourinho will put the security in for double training after this performance.
Goal!
Basel 1-0 CSKA Moscow
This means as it stands, Manchester United are through to the last 16.
41 mins: Romelu Lukaku works the ball to Anthony Martial who controls the ball with a questionable first touch then fires a shot wide.
Goal!
Manchester United 1-0 Benfica
Nemanja Matic fires a low shot from range which hits the post and bounces off Mile Svilar and into the net. The young goalkeeper must hate the sight of United.
46 mins: Mile Svilar has redeemed himself and makes a great save from Romelu Lukaku's tame effort. The Manchester United forward should do better one on one.
46 mins: Mile Svilar has redeemed himself and makes a great save from Romelu Lukaku's tame effort. The Manchester United forward should do better one on one.
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