Analysing AS Roma – Barca’s UEFA Champions League Opponent

The Italian outfit are Barça’s first opponent of the new UCL season as the Catalans begin the defence of their title

Barcelona begin the quest to defend their UEFA Champions League title when they coma against Italian giants AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico today.

The game promises to be a cracking encounter that will see Luis Enrique make a visit to his former club and Lionel Messi will be looking to have a happy day in his 100th UCL appearance.

The last time both teams met in a competitive game was in 2002 when AS Roma thrashed the Catalans 3-0 in the process, however, both teams met in August for the 50th Edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy when Barça ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Lionel Messi, Neymar and Ivan Rakitic but the Catalans will be facing a different Roma team this time around.

Rudi Garcia has a good team in his possession as they finished in an impressive second position in Serie A last season finishing just behind UCL finalists Juventus. As things stand, AS Roma are currently topping the log in the Serie A. Here are some interesting things about the Italians.

Analysis On AS Roma

HISTORY…
AS Roma was founded in 1927 and have been a super power in Italy since then, winning 3 Serie A titles, 9 Italian Cup, 2 Italian Super Cups and 1 Inter-cities fair Cup and are currently headed by president James Pallotta.

STADIUM…
Their Stadium, the Stadio Olimpico (Olympic Stadium) has a capacity can can hold 72,698 spectators. It is a historic ground for football and Barcelona will be glad to return to the venue they won their third UEFA Champions League, in 2009 when they beating Manchester United 2-0.

COACH…
Roma is currently managed by Rudi Garcia who was born on February 20, 1964. He’s been in charge of the club since the 2013/2014 season. Although he hasn’t won a major title during his term, finished behind only Juventus last season in the Serie A and was named the best coach of the league in 2014. A good coach.

NEW NAMES…
AS Roma made a couple of new signings during the summer including former Barcelona player Iago Falque. Falque is joined by former Man City forward Edin Dzeko, Arsenal Goalkeeper Wojceich Szczensny, PSG’s Lucas Digne and Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah.

STAR MAN…
Francesco Totti is currently featuring in his 24th season at AS Roma. He isn’t just an important player for the club but also a social figure, the fan’s favourite and an idol. The 38-year-old will be looking to score his 300th goal for the club. Other great players are Miralem Pjanic (who will miss the game), Radjan Nainggolan, Gervinho and former Barça star Seydou Keita.

PREVIOUS GAMES WITH BARÇA…
Roma have played Barcelona on two previous occasions in the UCL. These games were in the 2001-2002 group stage where they played a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou before beating Barcelona 3-0 in the second leg.