We are in for a heavyweight UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter as record winners Real Madrid travel to AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Roma are seeking their first win of the competition after being held to a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in round one a month ago.
Madrid on the other hand, began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Italian giants Inter Milan.
The match carries extra intrigue because Real Madrid are managed by José Mourinho, who returns to face Roma in a fixture that brings together two clubs with strong European traditions.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side come into the game on the back of successive Serie A draws and are desperate to turn their fortunes around here.
Madrid were 1-0 winners against Villarreal over the weekend despite some injury concerns, setting this up to be a potentially explosive encounter.
Will Madrid make it back-to-back Champions League wins, or can Roma get their first three points of the campaign? Here is our predicted outcome.
What time does Roma vs Madrid start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at Stadio Olimpico
Roma vs Madrid team news
Goalkeeper Mile Svilar is reportedly injured with a toe stress fracture and could be absent here for the hosts, with Pierre Luigi Gollina will start.
Bryan Cristante remains a major doubt, as well as Donyell Mallen who was sent off in the barren draw against Como at the weekend.
Paulo Dybala is fit and will start here, with Artem Dovbyk also expected to start in attack for the hosts.
These are the only changes expected from the side that started against Como.
As for Los Blancos, Vinícius Júnior was sent off against Villarreal in La Liga, but his dismissal does not automatically mean he is suspended for a Champions League match; the applicable disciplinary ruling and UEFA eligibility must be confirmed.
Arder Guler is expected to start, as well as Jude Bellingham and potentially Brahim Diaz if Vinicius is unavailable.
Top scorer Kylian Mbappe will continue to lead the attacking line, looking to add to his 71 Champions League goals in his 100th match.
Roma vs Madrid head-to-head and current form
The last time these sides met was in a club friendly in 2019, and Roma were 5-4 winners on penalties after a 2-2 result at full time.
That remains Roma’s only win in the last eight matches played against Real Madrid.
The Italian outfit comes into the game unbeaten in their last five outings, winning twice and drawing the rest – while Madrid have lost just once in that run.
Current form:
Roma – DDWDW
Madrid – WLWWW
Roma vs Madrid previous games
- Roma 2 (5) – 2 (4) Madrid (August 11, 2019)
- Roma 0-2 Madrid (November 27, 2018)
- Madrid 3-0 Roma (September 19, 2018)
- Madrid 2-1 Roma (August 8, 2018)
- Madrid 2-0 Roma (March 8, 2016)
Roma vs Madrid prediction
Madrid have the stronger historical record in this fixture and won their opening Champions League match against Inter. Their individual quality gives them a route to victory, but Roma’s home advantage makes the draw a realistic possibility.
However, both teams are very capable of producing goals, and this may be a better market for this particular fixture.
Prediction – Both teams to score – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!
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