Real Madrid welcomed Roma to the Bernabeu on Tuesday for the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Los Blancos entered the match as the strong favourites to advance having recorded a 2-0 victory when the pair met in Rome last month and that aggregate score still stood at the end of the first 45 minutes in Madrid.
Second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez, however, ensured that the hosts would make the quarter-finals once again courtesy of a four-goal success.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Roma for the second leg of their last-16 clash. Real Madrid recorded a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Rome, which has placed them in a strong position. Can Roma turn this one around?
In total, these two clubs have met on nine occasions in UEFA competition. Real Madrid have recorded five wins, Roma three and there has also been one draw. Before this season, the last time that the pair clashed in the Champions League was in the 2007-08 round of 16, when Roma recorded 2-1 wins home and indeed away to book a surprise spot in the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid are the strong favourites to advance from this tie, however, following a 2-0 victory in the first leg last month. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the visitors in the second period, before Jese Rodriguez made it 2-0 late on. In truth, it is hard to imagine Roma turning it around, but Real Madrid have actually lost their last eight two-legged ties against Serie A opposition.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news. Who have Zinedine Zidane and Luciano Spalletti placed their faith in tonight? Let's find out shall we...
TEAMS:
REAL: Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; James, Ronaldo, Bale
ROMA: Szczesny; Florenzi, Manolas, Zukanovic, Digne; Pjanic, Keita; Salah, Perotti, El Shaarawy; Dzeko
The big news in the Real Madrid camp is the return of Gareth Bale, who has not featured for Los Blancos since mid-January. The Welshman starts in a front three that also includes James Rodriguez, with Karim Benzema still on the sidelines. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos also return after missing the league match with Celta Vigo at the weekend, while Marcelo is also back in at left-back.
As for Roma, an attacking XI sees Edin Dzeko start at the tip of the attack, while Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarway are also included for the visitors. As expected, Francesco Totti is only on the bench and Daniele de Rossi misses out altogether. Alessandro Florenzi again skippers the Italians.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in the Spanish capital. I shall talk about Roma a little bit later, but let's start with Real Madrid, who are in the knockout round of the Champions League for the 19th consecutive season, which is an all-time record. Indeed, the Spanish outfit are also bidding to reach at least the quarter-finals of this competition for the sixth successive season. It would be a major surprise if they didn't!
Los Blancos finished top of Group A ahead of French champions Paris Saint-Germain earlier this season and have made at least the semi-finals of the European Cup in each of the last five campaigns. What's more, Real Madrid are one of just two clubs – the other being Barcelona – that have not yet lost in this season's Champions League. In the group stage, the Spanish outfit won all three of their home matches, meanwhile, scoring 13 times and failing to concede in the process.
Real Madrid have also won 21 of their last 30 home matches against Italian opposition, but as mentioned, have lost their last eight two-legged knockout ties against opposition from Serie A. The Spanish outfit will fancy their chances of ending that run tonight though and they have lost just one of the 30 UEFA competition ties where they won the first leg away from home. The only exception to that rule came in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup third round, when they were knocked out by Odense BK.
In terms of recent form, Real Madrid have played four league matches since the first leg in Rome and have only been victorious in two of them. They beat Levante and Celta Vigo, but lost at home to Atletico Madrid and could only draw at Malaga. That has left Los Blancos in third position in La Liga – four points behind second-place Atletico and a massive 12 off the league leaders Barcelona.
In truth, Real Madrid are not going to win the league this term, while they were disqualified from the Copa del Rey earlier in the season. The Champions League is seen as the saving grace for Los Blancos and indeed Zidane, whose own future is also far from secure. Since Zidane took charge in January, Real Madrid have won five of their six matches at the Bernabeu, losing only to Atletico.
While Real Madrid are the strong favourites tonight, the supporters will be wary of what occurred at this stage of last season's competition. The Spanish giants won 2-0 at Schalke 04 in the first leg of their last-16 clash, but lost the second leg 4-3 at the Bernabeu. They still went through and ultimately made the semi-finals, but it was too close for comfort on the night, that is for certain!
Roma, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 4-1 victory over Fiorentina at the weekend. The Italian outfit have won all three of their Serie A games since the first leg – scoring 10 times in the process. Indeed, that run of form has left them in third position in the table, but like Real Madrid, they are some way off the leaders and reigning champions Juventus (eight points behind).
Incredibly, Roma only won one of their Group E matches, but they managed to qualify behind Barcelona, who they held to a 1-1 draw in Rome, before losing 6-1 in Spain. This is actually Roma's first appearance in the knockout stage of the Champions League since the 2010-11 season and on that occasion they were dumped out by Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. What's more, the Serie A giants have not made it into the quarter-finals since 2008. In truth, their performance in the group stages – where they conceded 16 goals in six games – will not have worried Real Madrid.
What's more, Roma have only kept one clean sheet in their last 20 Champions League matches and won just two of their last 16 games in this competition, which is not exactly trophy-winning form. In fact, it is very surprising that they made it through to this stage with numbers like that! Roma's overall record in two-legged ties against Spanish opposition, meanwhile, is won two and lost three.
Roma have not actually won away from home in the Champions League since November 2010, when they recorded a 3-2 victory over FC Basel. They have also won just one of their UEFA competition ties where they lost the first leg at home. Seven straight Serie A wins, however, suggests that Spalletti is doing something right! Kickoff is now around 10 minutes away in the Spanish capital.
PREDICTION! Roma certainly have enough about them to cause Real Madrid problems and I am backing them to score tonight, but I just cannot see them doing enough to turn the whole tie around. Bale's return is a massive boost for Los Blancos, who I can see winning this 3-1 on the night.
Just a reminder of the two teams for tonight...
REAL: Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; James, Ronaldo, Bale
ROMA: Szczesny; Florenzi, Manolas, Zukanovic, Digne; Pjanic, Keita; Salah, Perotti, El Shaarawy; Dzeko
KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. The time for talking is over - Roma have a lot of work to do tonight. Let's hope for an entertaining second leg at the Bernabeu! Right, it is the hosts that get the first 45 underway...
... nine seconds on the clock and Casemiro is penalised for handball. Little harsh!
The resulting free kick was delivered by Perotti, but Pepe was on hand to make the clearance and Real Madrid are straight away on the counter. Roma simply have to score the first goal tonight.
Very, very open start to this match as both sides deliver dangerous crosses into the opposing box. First, Bale just fails to meet a cross from Ronaldo, before Dzeko challenges Navas for a high ball inside the Real Madrid box. The early indications are that we will see some goals tonight!
Ronaldo seems to be playing through the middle for Real Madrid tonight, although Bale could easily switch to that role throughout the match. Roma will be pretty pleased with their start having enjoyed good possession in the opening six minutes. It is such an attacking XI for the visitors here and Florenzi attempts to pick out El Shaarawy with a super cross, but it just squeezes through!
Penalty shout for Real Madrid as Ronaldo smashes a shot into Zukanovic, but the referee says no!
CHANCE! Super work from Bale as the Welshman feeds a return pass into Marcelo, but the Brazilian's effort from inside the Roma box is just wide of the post!
Comfortable for Szczesny as the Roma stopper gets down to collect a strike from Kroos.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a very dangerous area as Florenzi fells Ronaldo. Chance here...
... Ronaldo has a go, but his effort is well wide of the target. Ohhs from the crowd!
Just a few signs that Real Madrid are starting to take control of this match as they continue to move the ball quickly in the final third. It must be said that Bale has started very, very well tonight.
CHANCE! What a chance! Roma should be ahead! It is brilliant from Salah as the attacker drives down the right before feeding a low cross into Dzeko, but under no pressure, he fires wide!
If Roma are going to turn this tie around, then you get the feeling that they cannot afford to pass up chances of that magnitude. Dzeko really should have found the back of the net there, but credit must be given to Navas, who narrowed the angle. Down the other end, Bale delivers a low cross towards Ronaldo and it takes a big deflection before dropping just wide of the post. End-to-end football!
Good possession from Real Madrid as they continue to move the ball from left to right, but Salah is causing the home side problems with his pace and movement in the final third of the field here.
There are goals in this Roma side tonight - I am sure of it - but Real Madrid are so dangerous in the final third. Once again the ball is shifted wide and then delivered into Ronaldo, but his strike is actually blocked by his own teammate James. The hosts need a bit more from their supporters here!
SAVE! Good stuff from Szczesny as the Roma stopper gets down to keep out a strike from Modric, which had been deflected. Alert goalkeeping from the on-loan Arsenal man.
Modric is going to be getting a telling-off from Ronaldo at the break as the Croatian fails to find his teammate with a through pass. Still goalless on the night, but it is a very open game here.
Salah has been Roma's main threat in the opening 26 minutes and the attacker again looks to race clear inside the Real Madrid box, but Casemiro is across to make a smart challenge. The visitors are very threatening when they break forward, but their final pass has been disappointing it must be said. Down the other end, Modric decides to have a go from distance, but his effort was always wide.
El Shaarawy lifts a clever header just over the crossbar from a Digne cross.
CHANCE! SALAH! Another wonderful chance for Roma, who break clear once again, but Salah, from a slightly wide angle, fires wide of the post under no pressure at all!
Slightly too high from Bale as the Welshman fires over the crossbar following a smart piece of play outside the Roma box. Bale has been comfortably his team's most dangerous player tonight.
SAVE! More good goalkeeping from Szczesny, who gets down to keep out Ronaldo.
Danilo needs a bit of attention here following a clash with Dzeko!
SAVE! Modric slides a super pass into Ronaldo, who looks to find the bottom corner from a tight angle, but again it is very good goalkeeping from the Roma stopper. The ball is recycled from a corner and Marcelo has a strike from distance, but his effort was always curling wide.
Real Madrid have had around 60% of the possession in the opening 36 minutes here, but Roma have arguably had the two best chances. Bale remains a threat for the home side and delivers another dangerous cross towards Ronaldo, but the ball bounces clear and Roma have a throw-in.
BOOKING! Danilo (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on El Shaarawy.
The Real Madrid supporters are not best pleased with their team at the moment and James has been whistled over the last five minutes or so. They are a tough bunch to please! Well, this opening half has absolutely flown past and we are still 0-0 on the night and Real Madrid 2-0 on aggregate.
Salah appears to tread on Marcelo's Achilles and the Brazilian is struggling a little.
Casemiro pokes a harmless effort into the arms of the Roma stopper.
Half-chance for Salah this time, but the attacker's low strike is comfortable for Navas, who gets down to make the save. Both teams are threatening in the final moments of this first period.
Ronaldo throws his arms in the air as a pass from Kroos is too strong and Roma have the opportunity to build from a goal kick. A lot of frustration for Real Madrid at the moment here.
Just the one additional minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Roma
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level on the night and Real Madrid still 2-0 ahead on aggregate. The hosts have had plenty of half-chances, but the better opportunities have fallen to Roma. Dzeko and Salah have both had golden chances for the Italian side, but neither hit the target from close range. Real Madrid through as it stands tonight!
STATISTICS! As well as having 60% of the possession in the first period, Real Madrid had an incredible 18 attempts - five of which were on target. The statistics show that Roma only hit the target with one of their four attempts, but as mentioned, the visitors have had some excellent chances to break the deadlock. You suspect those missed opportunities will cost them tonight!
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid boss Zidane has a whole host of attacking options on his bench tonight, with the likes of Isco, Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vasquez all capable of making a difference. Roma, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Calque, Vainqueur and a certain Totti.
MATCH PIC!
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Roma find a way to turn this tie around? We shall see! It is the visitors that resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace in the capital.
ROMA SUB! Excuse me! Roma have made a change - Vainqueur for Pjanic!
A Real Madrid goal does not actually change Roma's position too much. It would leave the visitors needing three goals, but they need three to win it in normal time anyway. One thing is for certain - Roma have to score at least twice or they will be exiting the competition in the round of 16.
Pepe delivers a super cross towards Ronaldo, but it is a wonderful headed clearance from Zukanovic, who clears for a corner. That is brilliant defending from the Bosnian international.
CHANCES! Roma just cannot clear inside their own box and Marcelo and Ronaldo both have attempts before James volleys towards goal, but Szczesny is on hand to make the save!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Roma as Salah once again finds himself unmarked inside the Real Madrid box, but his effort again clears the post! What is happening!
Oh my word Roma have had some chances tonight! Real Madrid's defending has been pretty vile tonight, but they still hold a two-goal lead in the tie. Roma have to start taking their chances.
SAVE! Szczesny again does well to keep out a strike from Ronaldo.
Possession football for Real Madrid as they continue to move the ball from left to right and Marcelo has another shot on goal, but it is comfortable for the Roma stopper. Poor finishing again there!
SAVE! Another opportunity for Roma as Florenzi breaks forward, but his effort is straight at Navas, who makes the save. Marcelo keeps going forward and leaving so much space!
SAVE! Now Navas keeps out Manolas from close range!
I cannot believe that this match is still 0-0. Modric is the next player to try his luck from distance, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. It is easy to see the frustration in the Bernabeu crowd, but their team remain two goals ahead on aggregate despite their struggles tonight.
CLOSE! Kroos squeezes a low effort just wide of the Roma post following excellent build-up in a forward position. Roma are straight back on the attack here!
REAL MADRID SUB! Lucas Vasquez replaces Bale for the hosts.
You feel that a Barcelona, a Bayern Munich or even an Atletico Madrid would be comfortably beating Real Madrid tonight if they were facing Los Blancos, based on this performance from the hosts.
Salah again delivers a super pass towards El Shaarawy, but Pepe makes the block at the far post. The less said about Marcelo's defending tonight the better - he has been pretty dire!
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Roma (Ronaldo)
Finally the breakthrough! Real Madrid take the lead on the night and now hold a 3-0 aggregate lead as Ronaldo turns a low Vasquez cross home from close range - excellent from Vasquez there!
Szczesny took a blow to the face in that Ronaldo goal and he has a shiner!
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Roma (James)
And there is the second for Real Madrid. Ronaldo turns provider on this occasion as the attacker slides a super pass into James, who drills into the bottom corner from close range. Tie over!
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Real Madrid to score a third as Vasquez puts it on a plate for Ronaldo, but he somehow fires wide of the post! Incredible miss from that man!
Roma are going to introduce a certain 39-year-old in a moment...
... CHANCE! Ronaldo volleys over following a super Marcelo cross!
ROMA SUB! Totti replaces El Shaaraway for the away team.
REAL MADRID SUB! Jese Rodriguez replaces Modric for the home team.
BOOKING! Zukanovic (Roma) is booked for a late challenge on James.
Real Madrid want more goals in this game as they continue to drive forward. Kroos has a go from distance, but it is a comfortable save for Roma's goalkeeper, who has been busy tonight!
James curls a low effort wide of the post as Roma sink deeper and deeper here.
Nice to see Totti receiving such a warm ovation from the Real Madrid supporters. They appreciate what the Italian has done for the game. Not an awful lot to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes, although Zukanovic has just headed straight at Navas from a Roma corner.
Little over five minutes of the second period remaining and Real Madrid are going to be the first team in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Roma haven't quite been good enough.
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic replaces Casemiro for Real Madrid.
Danilo delivers a super low cross towards Ronaldo, but Manolas is on hand to clear for a corner at the vital moment. Ronaldo has not been great tonight, but could have had four or five!
ROMA SUB! Maicon replaces Keita for the home side.
Danilo might have just knocked someone out in the crowd with a powerful drive!
SAVE! Super save from Navas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper gets down to keep out a volley from Perotti, which came from another Salah cross!
Three additional minutes to be played at the Bernabeu.
Roma deserve a goal for their troubles tonight, but it does not appear that they will get one. The visitors are ending this game in possession, but Real Madrid are pretty comfortable at the back.
Ramos blocks a Totti strike wide of the post - spoil-sport!
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Roma (4-0 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period at the Bernabeu to a close with Real Madrid booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League following a 4-0 aggregate win over Roma. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
