AS Roma vs FC Porto Preview

AS Roma and Porto will battle for a place in the Europa League last 16 when they meet in the second leg of their knockout playoff tie.

Roma managed to secure a draw in the first leg last week despite playing nearly 30 minutes of regular time with ten men. The Giallorossi had a similar result at this stage last season and needed penalties to progress to Round 16.

They come into this tie in decent form, having extended their recent unbeaten league run to nine games (W6, D3) with a 1-0 win over Parma at the weekend. But with the European places still some way off, head coach Claudio Ranieri could be forgiven for prioritising progression in this competition.

There should be plenty of confidence among the home fans based on their recent form at the Stadio Olimpico, with Roma winning seven of their last eight competitive matches here (D1). It gets better in Europe as the hosts have won 14 of their last 16 home Europa League games (D1, L1), including three consecutive wins without conceding.

One of those wins came on matchday six this season against Portuguese club, Braga. However, Porto won’t be too worried by that as they have an impressive record of eliminating Roma in all three previous two-legged European knockout ties between them.

The Dragões could make it to the Round of 16 in Europe for the fourth season in a row. However, a run of just two wins across ten recent competitive matches (D4, L4) suggests it won’t be an easy task awaiting them in the Italian capital.

Porto won 1-0 away at Farense on Sunday, extending their unbeaten run on the road (W2, D1) that included a matchday eight win in the Europa League League phase. The visitors need to draw from that confidence to improve their away record, which is dire with only two wins across the last 16 away Europa League games (D5, L9).