Mancini strike gives Roma vital edge

BATTLING Roma gave themselves a slender advantage after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mancini was the hero for the hosts, firing home the winning goal in the 58th minute after David Pizarro’s first-half strike had cancelled out Raul’s opener.

The result marked Roma’s first win against Real in the Italian capital at the fourth attempt and hands Luciano Spalletti’s side with a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.