Prediction: Away win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: bet365
The stakes are going to be at an all-time high in Rome tomorrow night when Italian side Roma attempt to overcome the odds against Spanish giants Barcelona. Their first leg tie ended with a convincing 4-1 victory for Barca courtesy of Pique, Suarez and two own goals, and while that scoreline may tell the entire story for you, Roma were actually showing some bright sparks because the attacking prowess of Ernesto Valverde’s side saw them through.
Roma
With just one win in their last four games in all competitions, Roma need to come firing out of the blocks here in order to prove that they’ve still got what it takes to compete at this level. Their inconsistency has left them more than 20 points off the pace in the Serie A title race, but they can erase all of that negativity with a positive performance against the heavily favoured Barcelona.
Team News
The likely return of Radja Nainggolan could prove to be a big difference maker for Roma.
Barcelona
They’re 11 points clear at the top of La Liga, they’re unbeaten in their last 19 games, and they’re the clear favourites to become Champions of Europe once again. The pressure is well and truly on for Barca, and while these kinds of expectations could cause most teams to crumble, they always seem to thrive upon it. If they can keep calm and play this second leg at their own pace, then it’s theirs to lose.
Team News
Barca have no major injury concerns, although they could rest a few stars if Valverde feels like the tie has already been won.
Factors to Consider
- Barcelona are aiming to win their fourth European Cup inside of a decade.
- Roma have only ever finished as runners-up in this tournament.
- Barca have progressed in 38 of 41 ties in which they won the first leg at the Nou Camp.
- Roma’s top scorer in Edin Dzeko with 19, meanwhile, Barcelona’s is Lionel Messi with 39.
- Barcelona haven’t won in their last six visits to Italy.
Conclusion
That one away goal combined with the atmosphere will be enough to warrant a strong outing from Barca, as they won’t want to take any chances. They may face an onslaught in the early stages, but we can see them cruising through with a 3-1 victory to make it 7-2 on aggregate.
Prediction: Away win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: bet365
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