Prediction: Real Madrid win
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The Champions League is back in our lives, as the best clubs from around Europe aim to compete for the right to be called the Champions of the continent. The current champions Real Madrid, who have held the crown since May 2016, will be back in action this week when they go head to head with Roma. Both teams are no strangers to one another, but in terms of their respective expectations this season, many fans are anticipating a one sided affair but we think it ll be anything but.
Real Madrid
There s been an odd aura around the club since Real Madrid lost Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the summer, as if the heart of their squad had been torn out. Of course, they ve still got a handful of world class superstars that will likely take them far this season, but you have to question just how much of an impact CR7 s departure will have. Still, reaching the final will likely be viewed as the bare minimum for Real this season, given how unbelievably dominant they ve been in this competition in the last few years.
Team News
Casemiro could return to the starting line-up, with Isco and Marco Asensio both battling back and forth in order to stamp their authority on the first team.
Following their Champions League heroics last season, many are wondering whether or not Roma can repeat their success this year. It ll certainly be a tall order given how much the clubs around them have strengthened, and their start to the Serie A season doesn t exactly fill us with confidence. They re gritty and they will likely be difficult to break down, but if they can t find a consistent balance in their squad, they could be set for disappointment.
Team News
Edin Dzeko will be viewed as their main source of goals in this one, with Alessandro Florenzi also being fully fit after returning from injury. Roma have no other fresh injury concerns.
Factors to Consider
The game will be played at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have won three, drawn one and lost one of their competitive games this season.
Roma have won one, drawn two and lost two of their competitive games this season.
Real Madrid have scored 13 goals and conceded seven this season.
Roma have scored eight goals and conceded nine this season.
Conclusion
Real have slowly been building up some momentum, after some speculation over whether or not they d be able to keep up this fantastic form that they ve been on in the last few years. It feels like this is set up perfectly for them to run through Roma, but the Italians proved last season that they aren t going to lie down and take it. We actually think the visitors are going to take the lead, only for Real to do just enough to come from behind and win the game 2-1 but the warning signs are certainly going to be there.
Prediction: Real Madrid win
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