Goals by Taddei and Vucinic clinch Roma's berth in the quarterfinals
Real Madrid 1-2 Roma
March 05, 2008 -An opening goal by Roma, which was quickly answered by Raúl, was too much to bear for a Real Madrid squad that commanded the entire second half. The dream of winning the club's 10th European Cup has been shattered. With sad faces but soaring morale for having battled until the very last second, it's now time to focus on La Liga.
Real Madrid presented itself on the turf of the Santiago Bernabéu with a different lineup compared to that over the weekend. Míchel Salgado took over right back duty with Sergio Ramos unavailable to play due to suspension. Gago joined Diarra and Guti in the midfield, Robinho took position along the left flank, Baptista as attacking midfielder, and Raúl captained in attack. For the Italian side, Cicinho's appearance in the starting lineup left Panucci on the bench, Juan was given the nod in the back line, and Aquilani in the midfield.
Chances few and far between
It appeared that either side could have carried the match during the first half, but neither was able to reach the opponent's box effectively. In the opening minutes, it appeared that Roma had improved drastically since the first leg of the tie. With little over 15 minutes off the clock, it was Baptista who created the first chance of the match. From 10 metres outside the front of the box, the Brazilian struck a low shot which Doni managed to clear to corner (16’).
The Italians responded two minutes later by way of Aquilani, who tested Casillas with a strike that struck the post. The ensuing corner was headed out by Totti (18’). On the counter, Baptista sent the ball into the stands in what could have easily been the first goal of the night. While Robinho and Baptista continually switched sides, Roma gathered into their own half of the pitch to fend off every Madridista attack. Only Totti and Mancini advanced their positions should any counterattacking opportunity arise.
In the 25th minute, Guti's cross to Robinho from the right flank was cut off by Perrotta. Five minutes later, Aquilani's crossed shot was sent wide of net. Baptista seemed to be the only Madrisista with Doni in his sight. The Brazilian found open spaces between the lines, but was first stymied by the keeper in the 32nd minute and later watched as his free kick caromed off the wall.
Two goals and an agonizing finish
Three minutes into the second half, another free kick by Baptista hit the crossbar of Doni's goal. Perrotta unsuccessfully led Roma into the final third of the pitch, but Roma did create a sense of foreboding each time they closed in on the Madridista box. Diarra's strike in the 58th minute was cleared by the Italian keeper. Shortly thereafter Guti crossed in a ball which Raúl headered out. Schuster replaced Diarra with Drenthe, who layed claim to the left wing as Robinho again moved right. Spalletti meanwhile tabbed Vucinic to come in for Mancini. The Roman forward didn't take long to rattle Casillas' crossbar (65’).
Torres replaced Salgado, who left with muscle problems, and Pepe was booked for the second time and sent off. The bad news was just beginning when Roma struck gold. Tonetto curled in a ball from the right flank which Taddei headered past Casillas' far post (72’). Rather than going silent, the Bernabéu's unison cheer urged the Madridistas to counter. Two minutes after the Italian's took the lead, the Whites equalised. Guti passed to Robinho, who left the ball for Raúl on the penalty spot. The captain punched in his 61st Champions League goal and returned hope to the Bernabéu faithful (74’). Real Madrid still needed another; the main priority to send the match to extra time.
Julio Baptista abandoned the pitch as Soldado came in. Real Madrid created several close calls within the vicinity of Doni's goal, but the ball simply refused to go in. The Italians clinched the victory in one of their few second half chances as Panucci swung the ball into the six for Vucinic to header home and eliminate the Madridistas.
MATCH REPORT:
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Salgado (Torres, 64’), Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze; Baptista (Soldado, 84’), Gago, Diarra (Drenthe, 60’), Robinho; Guti; Raúl
ROMA: Doni; Cicinho (Pannucci, 86’), Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; Taddei, De Rossi, Aquilani, Mancini (Vucinic, 64’); Perrotta (Pizarro, 75’); Totti
REFEREE: Kyros Vassaras (GREECE). Booked Heinze (13’), Taddei (19’), De Rossi (34’), Perrotta (54’), Cicinho (66’), Guti (80’) and Aquilani (82’). Pepe sent off (70’).
GOALS:
0-1, 16': Taddei
1-1, 27': Raúl
1-2, 73': Vucinic
NOTES: Return leg of the last 16 of the Champions League played at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Attendance: 80,000.
Match report by Laura Navas
Photography by David R. Anchuelo, Alejandro González and Fernando Comeche
Translation by Matthew Goltz
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