AS Roma
Wojciech Szczesny – 7.5
The Polish international was as good with his saves as he was bad with the concession of the two goals. He made a series of fantastic stops, including three of them to keep Ronaldo at bay. However, he may be considered to be at fault for both goals. He could have done better to stop Vazquez’s cross from reaching him and should have stopped James’ shot from going through his legs for the second. However, he kept the scoreline down with Real firing 10 shots on target, giving Roma a chance to get back in the tie – a chance they failed to capitalise on, thanks to some average finishing.
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Alessandro Florenzi – 7
Once again, he linked up really well with Salah on the right flank to try and help a desperate Roma wipe out the first-leg deficit. He himself had a shot at goal, which was well saved by Navas.
Constantinos Manolas – 6.5
Looked hapless for large periods against Ronaldo, something he shouldn’t feel embarrassed about. A tough night for the Greek, despite a couple of pinpoint tackles to foil Real Madrid.
Ervin Zukanovic – 7
Like Manolas, he too struggled to deal with the Real Madrid pressure. He had to make a number of last-ditch clearances to keep the crosses coming from Toni Kroos or James out.
Lucas Digne – 6.5
The young full-back had to spend a majority of time in his defensive zone, as he looked to tone down the impact of Luka Modric’s partnership with James. As he was tiring, a fresh-legged Lucas Vazquez took full advantage to assist Ronaldo for the opener.
Seydou Keita – 6.5
Had the impossible job of running all around the centre of the pitch to retrieve the ball from Kroos or Modric.
Miralem Pjanic – 6
Another forgettable outing for Pjanic. Was kept shut by Casemiro, allowing himself to create just a single chance going forward. Taken off at half-time.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Everything about the Egyptian’s game seems perfect, except his finishing. His searing pace on the wings gave Marcelo a nightmare. Meanwhile, he was also adept at getting himself into great positions to score. However, his finishing remained his Achilles Heel all night. His best chance came when he shot agonizingly wide after being sent through by Edin Dzeko by a pass which bisected Marcelo and Ramos.
Diego Perotti – 7
He started in a number 10 role behind Edin Dzeko and was instrumental in helping Roma launch their counter attacks – laying off Salah or el-Sharaawy on the wing or attempting to play that final pass to Dzeko upfront. He himself thudded the woodwork in the 88th minute, but by then the tie was already out of Roma’s reach.
Stephan el-Sharaawy – 6
Failed to deliver a single cross into the box the entire game thanks to Danilo’s interceptions. Was dispossessed many times by the right back. Both his shots failed to hit the target. An insipid display overall.
Edin Dzeko – 6.5
Missed Roma’s best opportunity to score when he fluffed his strike wide after some excellent work by Salah. Could not produce a meaningful chance to score since.
Substitutes:
William Vainqueur – 6.5
Replaced a terrible Pjanic at half-time, but he too struggled to outsmart Casemiro in midfield – restricting him to sideway passes, exactly what Real wanted.
Francesco Totti – 6
A few touches here and there for the one-club man, but there was no way he was going to inspire his side to score 4 goals in the last 16 minutes.
Maicon – N/A
Came on for a worn down Seydou Keita in the 86th minute. Understandably had no time to do anything of note with his side 4 goals down.
