One of the big clubs in Europe will be out of the Champions League on Tuesday when Roma and Porto resume their battle in the second leg of the playoffs. The opening leg in Portugal ended 1-1, making the tie tantalisingly poised going into second leg in Rome.
Both teams will look back at that first leg with a bit of regret, considering it could have easily been a win for either team. Roma were the much better side in the first half, but only had one goal to show for it, when Felipe deflected one past Iker Casillas into his own net in the 21st minute.
Roma's fortunes changed four minutes before halftime, when Thomas Vermaelen, on debut, was sent off, leaving the Italians having to play a whole half and a bit with just ten men.
Porto would find the equaliser on the hour through Andre Silva's penalty, but the home team could not go on and take a lead in this tie.
That means, it really is anybody's match in the second leg, even if Roma will fancy their chances that little bit more considering they will be playing at home.
"This match can give us the keys to enter the most important football competition of Europe," Roma manager Luciano Spalletti was quoted as saying by UEFA's official website. "I have no stress, my players know how important this game is.
"We are at our home, in our stadium. We will have to show that we can win difficult matches against a Porto that will be trying to score, because that is what they need."
Porto manager Nuno Espirito Santo also sounded optimistic about his team's chances, even if he rued the opportunity that his team missed in the first leg.
"To qualify we have to continue what we have been doing until now this season – we have to play as a team and refuse to give up," Santo said. "In the first leg we had some good chances, especially in the second half. I think we deserved another result, but that's in the past.
"We will be the away team and in the stadium there will be a particular atmosphere, so our organisation on the pitch will be fundamental."
Where to Watch Live
The second leg Champions League playoff is scheduled for an 8.45 p.m. CET (12.15 a.m. IST next day) start. Live Streaming and TV listings below.
India: TV: Ten 2 and Ten 1 HD. Live Streaming: Ten Sports Live.
Italy: TV: Premium Sport.
Portugal: TV: RTP 1 and Sport TV 1.
UK: TV: BT Sport. Live Streaming: Watch BT Sport.
USA: TV: Fox Sports 1. Live Streaming: Foxsoccer2go.
