Watch AS Roma vs Real Madrid Live Online- Champions League 2008 Preview

On the 19th of February, the Champions League pits against each other two of the most emblematic teams in European football, in the shape of AS Roma vs Real Madrid.

In the last six meetings between the two clubs, Real Madrid have a clear upper hand: the Spanish colossus have won four, including the last two (3-0 away and 4-2 at home in 2004), and lost just the one, at home in 2002 by a margin of one goal to nil. Real have also had great success against Rome’s other big side, Lazio Roma – indeed, Real’s “defeat” column at the Stadio Olímpico is very bare indeed.

Depending on the severity on Pepe’s injury, Real Madrid’s defensive line will be adjusted accordingly. With the presence of the Portuguese monster, expect the Whites to line up with Heinze and Ramos as full-backs, leaving Cannavaro and Pepe as the central defensive tandem. Should Pepe be ruled out, a number of permutations are possible, with both Heinze and Ramos capable of moving inside to central defence, to be replaced by Marcelo and Miguel Torres respectively. Of the two potential displacements, I would imagine the latter to be more appealing in the first-leg, since Schuster will almost definitely favour a more defensive line-up, and Marcelo retains a certain inexperience that could prove costly.

I would expect Schuster to opt for Baptista instead of Guti in the centre of midfield, sacrificing the sulky Spaniard’s silken skills for the Beast’s combative qualities, especially since much of Roma’s strength is derived from their midfield generals Simone Perrotta and Daniele De Rossi, the latter being, in my opinion, one of the most underrated players in European football. Roma’s “first-eleven” is not particularly easy to guess, although the hub of Doni, Panucci, Cicinho, Mexes (another former Real Madrid target), De Rossi, Vucinic and Totti (if fit), can be expected to take part.