Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 AS Roma: Five Talking Points

#5 All to play for at the Stadio Olimpico

Shakhtar Donetsk vs AS Roma: The tie is very much alive

What was a one-way filibuster, at least on paper, turned completely on its head. But then again, given Shakhtar's impressive form at home as mentioned earlier, this shouldn't be a complete surprise. Roma have themselves to blame as they switched off occasionally at the back and a profound lack of precision in finishing left them undone.

But the tie isn't over yet. A 2-1 defeat may be vexing enough, but certainly not a margin too big to overcome; not least of all for the Giallorossis who are a different beast at home. The 3-0 win over Chelsea in the group stages serves a testimony, and they would look up to that exact game for inspiration.

AS Roma were heavy favourites in this match-up ever since the draw was made, and despite the setback today, stand a good chance of making it to the last eight. Shakhtar, for their part, won't make it any easy though, teasing another compelling encounter at the Stadio Olimpico next month.