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
Full time
Roma 3-0 Chelsea
From Rome with love - in terms of goals for Chelsea. It's really been a night to forget for Antonio Conte's side.
Full time
Manchester United 2-0 Benfica
Manchester United continue their winning streak in the group stage of the Champions League with. It wasn't pretty but it's three points.
Redemption, roles and rotation, read the five things we learned in Manchester United's 2-0 win.
PSG are through to the knockout stages in the Champions League and have scored 17 goals in their four games so far. Was it ever in doubt?
"It's a dream"
Nemanja Matic on the decision for Daley Blind to take the penalty to BT Sport: "I hope our supporters have enjoyed this evening. I think the manager decided that Daley (Blind) needed to shoot"
Scott McTominay: "To get my full start is a dream for me. All those years going up through the academy, these nights are brilliant and I'm made up."
Read how Chelsea came unstuck against Roma on a night to forget for Antonio Conte.
Classic Mourinho
"It's better for the specialists to call the game than for me to give my opinion. I'm paid to work and do my best which I do everyday. And the specialists, they're paid to comment on my work so let them comment.
"I'm more than happy, they change the players and change the dynamic of the team. We played a kid from the academy. We scored two goals, we didn't concede. Three more points, more money for the club because every victory means money. No significant injuries just something in Jesse (Lingard)'s back but nothing important."
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