Real Madrid will concede when they take on Roma, but the champions will still win, according to Dan Fitch.
Real Madrid [1.37] v Roma [9.4]; The Draw [6.0]
Wednesday 19 September, 20:00
Live on BT Sport ESPN
Semi-finalists clash in group stage
Two of last season’s semi-finalists clash on Wednesday in what is arguably the pick of the first round of Champions League group games.
Real Madrid would go on to win the competition in what was their third successive triumph. The manager that masterminded this treble, Zinedine Zidane, has since departed. His successor Julen Lopetegui therefore has high standards to maintain and needs to do so not just for the club, but also to vindicate his own decision to sign a contract with Real on the eve of the World Cup, which resulted in his sacking as Spain manager.
Lopetegui has made a decent start. After losing in the European Super Cup to Atletico Madrid, his side have bounced back with a four match unbeaten run (W3 D1), winning both of their home games.
Roma’s season has gone in the opposite direction. They won their opener against Torino, only to then embark on a three match run without a win (D2 L1). The fact that they have conceded seven goals in those three games, points to defensive issues which were evident in last season’s Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.
Roma can get goal on the road
The Italians may have had a disappointing start to the season, but they have scored in both of their away games and been involved in high-scoring home draws against Atalanta (3-3) and Chievo (2-2).
With Real Madrid only having kept one clean sheet in their five outings this season, it seems likely that Roma should be able to score, even if they do eventually succumb to defeat. Back a Real Madrid win and both teams to score at [2.38].
Source: Betfair Champions League
