Defence finally stands firm as draw earns Roma last 16 ticket

Despite conceding 16 goals in their five ties up to last night, Roma’s scoreless draw against BATE Borisov ensured they nudged through to the last-16 of the Uefa Champions League.

Had Borisov been more clinical in the Italian capital last night, or Bayer Leverkusen beaten instead of drawn against Barcelona, then Roma would have been out.

Instead, they stood firm at home to repel the Belarusians thanks to some excellent goalkeeping by Wojciech Szczesny whilst Leverkusen spurned a litany of chances at the Bay Arena.