Real showdown in Rome

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on February 13, 2016. Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he won’t sacrifice players in a bid to shut down the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo when they host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday. PHOTO | GERARD JULIEN |

What you need to know:

  • Real, who claimed a record 10th Champions League trophy in 2014, are among the favourites for this year’s title alongside Bayern Munich and holders Barcelona.
  • Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said the Portuguese forward won’t come in for special attention, a tactic that could theoretically create space elsewhere on the pitch for Real to exploit.
  • Spalletti is in his second spell at Roma after replacing sacked Frenchman Rudi Garcia recently, and, among his other achievements, boasts the feat of steering Roma to consecutive 2-1 wins over Real in the last 16 in 2008.
  • Real have made it to the semi-finals of the competition the past five seasons, claiming their historic ‘Decima’ two years ago when current manager Zinedine Zidane was assistant to Carlo Ancelotti.

Rome

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he won’t sacrifice players in a bid to shut down the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo when they host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

And the Italian insisted the belief and ambition of his players, and not the past history of either club, will be key they look to upset the formbook at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.

Real, who claimed a record 10th Champions League trophy in 2014, are among the favourites for this year’s title alongside Bayern Munich and holders Barcelona.

Although Welsh winger Gareth Bale is missing due to a calf strain, the world class trio of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez lead their three-pronged attack.

Real have also welcomed left-back Marcelo, who missed a 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend due to a a dislocated shoulder, back to their match-day squad.

Ronaldo hit a brace at the weekend, when Toni Kroos and James were also on the score sheet.

But Spalletti said the Portuguese forward won’t come in for special attention, a tactic that could theoretically create space elsewhere on the pitch for Real to exploit.

“Ronaldo is one of the strongest players in the world and always makes a difference.

He’s a modern day footballer, strong and fast and capable of scoring lots of goals,” said Spalletti.

“But I’m not going to use three of my players to close him down.”

Spalletti is in his second spell at Roma after replacing sacked Frenchman Rudi Garcia recently, and, among his other achievements, boasts the feat of steering Roma to consecutive 2-1 wins over Real in the last 16 in 2008.

Real have made it to the semi-finals of the competition the past five seasons, claiming their historic ‘Decima’ two years ago when current manager Zinedine Zidane was assistant to Carlo Ancelotti.