5 reasons Roma can win the Champions League

1. A mean defense

In the comeback victory over Barcelona, Roma had 17 shots. The Italian side put six of those shots on target, and three of those found the back of the net. It was a brilliant display of offensive firepower by the Romans as they conquered the visiting Catalan squad.

More importantly, though, Roma shut out Barcelona at Stadio Olimpico. Eusebio Di Francisco’s side allowed Barca to generate just nine shots all match. They managed to put only three of them on target, and that proved all the difference. Rarely were Barca able to generate open looks. Roma especially did a masterful job of shutting down Lionel Messi, who left the pitch frustrated in Rome after another early Champions League exit.

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Over the past few matches in the tournament, Roma have really started to come into their own. They dominated Barcelona for long stretches, making the Catalan powerhouse look listless in the bargain. Now they just need to replicate the feat a few more times and they will have a shot at the club’s first trip to the final since 1984.

In general, the teams that make it deep into the Champions League knockout stage are those that can score opportunistic goals and stifle opponents’ attacks. Roma have proven themselves adept at both tasks this season, after topping their group ahead of Chelsea and now dominating Barcelona in a comeback victory.

At this point, would you want to bet against Roma after they comfortably clawed out of the hole they made for themselves a week earlier?