Roma and fellow Italian rival, Juventus, learned their Champions League fate just hours ago as the two sides drew Shakhtar Donetsk and Spurs, respectively. Given the potential options for each side, the Giallorossi and Bianconeri are unlikely to have any complaints about their opponents as both sides are already the early favorites to advance, according to several betting websites.
Roma have traveled a hard-fought group stage journey; however, they would be wise not to underestimate the Ukrainian side. Club talisman and current club director Francesco Totti, who appeared to be optimistic about the draw, issued a word of warning that Shakhtar could by no means be underestimated, “Given the options who were there, it went well. Don’t underestimate them, though, because they are very strong technically and physically, they play very well at home.”
The match-up with Shakhtar certainly appears favorable for the Giallorossi. Roma were one of the last 3 clubs drawn and had a 66% chance to draw either Bayern or Real Madrid, which would have been a nightmare scenario for the Italians. While Roma ultimately drew Shakhtar, the memory of the Ukrainian club’s drubbing of Roma in 2011 remains fresh in the minds of many.
The year 2011 seems like ages ago and the Roma from 2011 seems like an entirely different club. This was the pre-American owned Roma who were going thru a tumultuous period after having nearly won their first Scudetto since 2001 in the previous season with Claudio Ranieri.
After losing out on the Scudetto to Inter by just two points, everything seemed to come tumbling down the following season for Ranieri and Roma. While the season started relatively positive, Roma lost their heads in the winter and completely fumbled away their season, where the lowest point came at the hands of Shakhatar, who won 3-2 in Rome in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie before galloping away with the result as they won 3-0 in Ukraine.
While the names have changed for Shakhtar since then, the approach and style remains the same. The Ukrainian club still have their famed contingent of Brazilian players backed up by the strong tactical acumen of manager Paulo Fonseca. Captain Darjio Srna, defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy, and goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov are the only ones who are left from the 2011 team that eliminated Roma, however, all three still play important roles for the Ukrainian side, who currently sit atop the Ukrainian Premier League table. Between their speed, flair, and strong spine in the midfield, which is led by former Roma target Fred, Shakhtar Donetsk present a tall task for Roma. The Ukrainians are certainly a more favorable opponent than Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, however, this tie holds no guarantees.
The Giallorossi will have another opportunity to right their wrongs in the Champions League after a strong start to their campaign, however, their past still holds a tale of caution.
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