Chiesa Di Totti - Europa League, Round of 32: Roma vs. BragaCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2021-02-26T15:30:00+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/220631372021-02-26T15:30:00+01:002021-02-26T15:30:00+01:00Sinners & Saints: Roma 3, Braga 1
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<img alt="AS Roma v Spezia Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9FUj92Wy0-rfqcV_kD-zQx2bUHI=/3x0:3000x1998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68879440/1230760641.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With Roma through to the Round of 16, it's nothing but smiles in our player ratings series, Sinners & Saints.</p> <p id="SJKOgi">Roma were a Bryan Cristante own goal away from a perfect clean sweep of Braga in the Europa League Round of 32. Despite that error, the Giallorossi steamrolled the Archbishops by a resounding 5-1 aggregate scoreline, erasing any worries we may have had about facing an unfamiliar opponent while also dealing with an injury crisis in defense.</p>
<p id="fJD2wH">If yesterday's match lacked any excitement for you, it's probably because Roma had this two-legged tie wrapped up after scoring two away goals in Braga last week. Despite the lack of consequence in yesterday's match, Roma put in yet another impressive performance, winning the match on the scoreboard and the stat sheet; a welcomed turn of events after dropping points in two of their past three league matches.</p>
<p id="Pke33I">Given how utterly dominant Roma were over the two-leg tie, we'll forgive Cristante for his error and focus on the positives.</p>
<h2 id="x5Ud1a">The Saints</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Spezia Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CVYj-2n2Xy4TrIlEMfgQ_63Kc3w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22329761/1230760641.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="zKghls">Carles Pérez</h3>
<p id="MBmjLl">After spending most of the 2020-2021 season on the periphery, the 23-year-old Pérez seems to be <em>slowly </em>working his way back into Paulo Fonseca's good graces. While he’s only made two starts in 2021, yesterday Pérez reminded Roma fans of just how explosive he can be. In 31 minutes, Pérez turned in a man-of-the-match performance, scoring on his only shot at goal, chipping in one key pass, a secondary assist on Borja Mayoral's goal, four dribbles, and four fouls drawn, both match highs. </p>
<h3 id="89hOHP">Edin Dzeko</h3>
<p id="bLMeLf">Although he was forced out with a groin injury early in the second half, Dzeko turned back the clock with 66 stellar minutes yesterday. In addition to opening the action with a 23rd-minute goal, Dzeko put two shots on goal, contributed one key pass, one dribble, one accurate cross (out of two), one accurate long-ball (out of two), and won five aerials. </p>
<p id="uXagwT">Hopefully, his groin injury won't prove too serious because the chemistry between Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy was magical yesterday—it was like they hadn't skipped a beat despite not sharing the pitch in almost two years. </p>
<h3 id="iI2C4g">Bruno Peres</h3>
<p id="6u4zXC">Man, is this guy having an up-and-down season, or what? After a pretty rough start to 2021, Peres was instrumental for Roma yesterday. Going the full 90, Peres completed 84% of his passes, pulled off two dribbles, was a perfect two-for-two on long-balls, and chipped in one successful tackle, three clearances, and five interceptions.</p>
<h3 id="SBbYhn">Pau Lopez</h3>
<p id="RFavwJ">There wasn't much he could do to stop Cristante's own goal from finding the back of the net, but Lopez was otherwise solid against Braga, making three saves in the box and hitting on 8-16 long-ball attempts.</p>
<h2 id="3ftx8q">Stuck In Between</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Sporting Braga - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P3ha59oNGH90t4g4wnz_2NYvl0k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22329764/1304092575.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="nzPjzB">These guys did a few good things but couldn't hold a candle to the saints above. </p>
<p id="HwJdyQ"><strong>Lorenzo Pellegrini</strong>: A beautiful assist on Pérez's goal negated his laughably bad penalty attempt several minutes earlier.</p>
<p id="qZuC3o"><strong>Borja Mayoral:</strong> He only played about 25 minutes but he managed one goal, one key pass, and one successful long-ball.</p>
<p id="84tERE"><strong>Jordan Veretout</strong>: Another busy evening for the Frenchman, as he swept up <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> midfield as dutifully as ever, racking up three tackles, one interception, and four clearances.</p>
<p id="vTx9Yp"><strong>Leonardo Spinazzola</strong>: One key pass, one assist, and three clearances. Not too shabby despite playing little more than 30 minutes.</p>
<p id="Vyed46">That's it for this edition of Sinners & Saints. Check back for the next rendition after Roma faces <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> on Sunday.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/26/22302008/roma-3-braga-1-player-ratingsbren2021-02-26T01:00:00+01:002021-02-26T01:00:00+01:00Highlights of Roma’s Dominant 3-1 Win Against Braga
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<img alt="AS Roma v Sporting Braga - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rpFG7reXVyqC8vMb7pwzTEOIK10=/0x0:4019x2679/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68877169/1304099132.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Alternative headline: Highlights of Carles Perez.</p> <p id="VesF9U">We previewed this match on our podcast by debating whether <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> should try to out-Braga their opponents and play the possession game, or whether Roma should focus on their usual style of play to get an early goal and kill this tie. Fonseca’s man instead killed the debate by doing both against Braga this evening.</p>
<p id="nKtmrv">The first half was made entirely of Roma passing the ball around their opponents, passing it into space wherever the opportunity presented itself, even if it meant passing it backward. Braga grew visibly dispirited as the half went on, and the opening goal scored by Edin Dzeko—after a lovely curler from Stephan El Shaarawy hit the post before Dzeko dispatched the rebound—did a lot to kill Braga’s spirit on that front. By half-time, the tie was already dead, and all that was left was for Roma to stay focused.</p>
<p id="bBevFv">A slew of substitutions made up the second-half affairs, but no substitute was more impressive than the resurgent Carles Pérez. Pérez defended and attacked in equal measure, while dancing around opponents with his close-control, winning a penalty for Roma, scoring a goal himself, AND coming up with a secondary assist for Borja Mayoral’s goal (and Roma’s third on the night) in stoppage time. All we can ask is: Is Roma’s squad really this good or was it just down to Braga giving up the game?</p>
<p id="X7Srdz">A noticeable flaw in Roma’s football, all season long regardless of personnel, is the Giallorossi’s inability to really move up and down the pitch as a team. The Diawara-Villar combination in midfield didn’t do much to solve this problem, as the Roma midfield and defense often collapsed upon themselves. There was also room for a Bryan Cristante own-goal and a Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty-miss to be forgotten, all thrown into the final 3-1 scoreline on the night. </p>
<p id="75z9s0">Roma now advances to the Europa League round of 16, where the draw will be held tomorrow in view of the first leg on March 11th.</p>
<div id="orW9xf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sVF8MhSTgtk?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; clipboard-write; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/26/22301862/roma-3-braga-1-highlightsdallagente2021-02-25T23:01:21+01:002021-02-25T23:01:21+01:00Roma Breezes Past Braga Into the Europa League Round of 16
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<img alt="AS Roma v Sporting Braga - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_XnsTDBkXo54do0QHU163LfQKWg=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68876437/1304089744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A late own goal ruined the perfect round for Roma, but with a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, Roma is officially in the Round of 16.</p> <p id="vOBUG0">With a two-goal aggregate lead heading into this match, the order of the day for Roma was to simply survive and advance. Whether they took their foot off the gas and played to a scoreless draw, ramped up the pressure on Braga to win with aplomb, or even let their Portuguese visitors score a courtesy goal to boost their confidence, it didn't matter. Roma just needed to punch their time card, put in a solid 90-minute shift, and get ready for the Round of 16. </p>
<p id="ZBUV0Q">And through the first 20 minutes of this match, it seemed like Paulo Fonseca was content to let this match die on the vine. However, even with so little at stake, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> talent advantage was obvious, so the Giallorossi could only play nice for so long. </p>
<p id="b3Iu73">With Dzeko reinserted into a slightly altered lineup (at varying points, it shifted from the usual 3-4-2-1 to your classic 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation) and El Shaarawy happy to make well-timed runs off Dzeko's shoulder into the box, this <em>almost </em>looked like the 2017 vintage of Roma where Dzeko's gravitational pull in the middle gave El Shaarawy, Diego Perotti and Mohamed Salah acres of space to make darting runs at the opponent's box, giving defenses fits in the process.</p>
<p id="hgq8uV">It wasn't <em>quite </em>that crisp, but Dzeko and El Shaarawy teamed up just like old times.</p>
<h3 id="a54G6A">Edin Dzeko: 23rd Minute (Roma 1, Braga 0)</h3>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">G⚽L DE ROMA‼️<br> Dzeko ⏱️23'<br> Roma 1️⃣ 0️⃣ Braga <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a><br>SUSCRIBITE A TELEGRAM ✅ <br>Y mira todos los goles cuando quieras <a href="https://t.co/0TV9WEoDZB">https://t.co/0TV9WEoDZB</a><a href="https://t.co/pxgXbZexzm">pic.twitter.com/pxgXbZexzm</a></p>— El forastero deportivo (@ElForastero1982) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElForastero1982/status/1365035984665124879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a>
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<p id="9MXD8J">While this wasn't a <em>biscotto </em>match of old, Roma were noticeably more conservative in the opening 15 to 20 minutes. They weren't necessarily playing passively, but they weren't really going out of their way to stretch the Braga defense either. But that all changed thanks to a lovely bit of skill from Stephan El Shaarawy. </p>
<p id="dWulWz">After Bryan Cristante played a pinpoint pass from midfield into Dzeko, Roma's former captain quickly shuffled the ball off to El Shaarawy, who was able to get off a beautifully curled shot despite being surrounded by Braga defenders. El Shaarawy was mere inches away from grabbing his first goal since returning to Roma, but rather than tucking it inside the far post, El Shaarawy's curled effort struck the woodwork but fell right into Dzeko's path, leaving the big Bosnian with a gimme goal to put Roma up 1-0 and 3-0 on aggregate. </p>
<p id="QQQLUG">The final 20 minutes of the first half featured some surprisingly wide-open football, with Braga desperately trying to orchestrate an epic comeback and Roma simply exercising their tactical superiority over the visitors, generating chances on the counter, outside, and through probing long-balls from the midfield.</p>
<p id="GsVTzO">And Roma nearly doubled their advantage late in the first half when El Shaarawy played a square ball into Pedro from the left flank. But rather than settling it and picking out a corner, Pedro one-timed El Shaarawy's pass and struck the crossbar, missing a goal by a few inches.</p>
<p id="go2arl">Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, the first half was pretty evenly contested between the two clubs. Roma won the possession battle (53%) and dribbled circles around Braga, but the Portuguese club still managed four shots and were equally crisp passing the ball. </p>
<h2 id="x8Crxz">Second Half</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Sporting Braga - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h_OlSQzxs2zDLIfUh0oPPmZq7RI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22329325/1304099132.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="zAYxHt">Heading into the second half, Roma now had an insurmountable three-goal aggregate lead, so the ensuing 45 minutes were more about continuity and balancing fatigue ahead of Roma's crucial league match against <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p id="uYrvn7">Accordingly, Paulo Fonseca used all five of his substitutes in the second half. Starting with a Lorenzo Pellegrini for Gonzalo Villar change to start the half, Fonseca also gave minutes to Carles Pérez, Leonardo Spinazzola, Borja Mayoral—who came on after Dzeko appeared to injure his groin—and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who made a brief 15-minute cameo to close out the match.</p>
<p id="nQ50tu">With their ticket to the Round of 16 practically booked before this match even started, the second half was lacking in consequence, but Roma did manage a second goal thanks to a lovely linkup between Pellegrini and Pérez.</p>
<h3 id="lX9ZkI">Carles Pérez: 74th Minute (Roma 2, Braga 0)</h3>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">G⚽L DE ROMA‼️<br> Carles Pérez ⏱️74'<br> Roma 2️⃣ 0️⃣ Braga <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a><br>SUSCRIBITE A TELEGRAM ✅ <br>Y mira todos los goles cuando quieras <a href="https://t.co/0TV9WEoDZB">https://t.co/0TV9WEoDZB</a><a href="https://t.co/lokF9zFcY0">pic.twitter.com/lokF9zFcY0</a></p>— El forastero deportivo (@ElForastero1982) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElForastero1982/status/1365053093541478401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a>
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<p id="JpniDl">Moments after botching a penalty kick won by Pérez, Lorenzo Pellegrini redeemed himself here, picking out Pérez with a high, looping right-to-left cross that settled right at the Spaniard's feet. And with a subtle flick of his foot, Pérez buried this ball into the far corner in one smooth motion.</p>
<p id="dSUNhM">Braga would get a consolation goal thanks to a Bryan Cristante own goal who, in an attempt to intercept a low ball across the face of goal, inadvertently redirected it right past Lopez, who really had no chance to stop it—an unexpected but ultimately meaningless blemish on this two-legged tie. Roma bounced right back and scored a third goal of their own thanks to Borja Mayoral. </p>
<h2 id="6PIglL">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p id="WDvKPj">For the third straight time in this competition (and for the second consecutive season), Roma has qualified for the Europa League Round of 16. Cristante's own goal took a fraction of the shine off this victory, but with a 5-1 aggregate win, and with none of the Braga goals actually being scored by Braga players, there is no doubt that the better side is advancing to the next round. </p>
<p id="OdzWKa">We don't know who Roma will face just yet, but they're one step closer to ending the club's decade-plus long trophy drought. </p>
<h2 id="OsYvLr">Up Next</h2>
<p id="mbvMjq">A massive, massive match against Milan at the Olimpico on Sunday.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/25/22301617/roma-braga-match-reviewbren2021-02-25T19:55:44+01:002021-02-25T19:55:44+01:00Roma vs. Braga: Lineups & Game Thread
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<img alt="Sporting Braga v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rbsd1YDSHEqTDcZI85LUPQWbtL8=/0x0:4500x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68875178/1302883691.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It's time for the second leg of Roma's Round of 32 clash against Braga. Can Roma advance or will Braga erase their two goal deficit?</p> <p id="ZkhUXf">The first leg of Roma's Europa League Round of 32 against Braga was painted as the story of unfamiliarity. Sure, Roma manager Paulo Fonseca held the same position with Braga several years ago, but that was the only bit of history between the two clubs. While both teams were founded in the 1920s, last week's clash at the stunning Braga Municipal Stadium was the first meeting between the two sides, one that Roma won rather easily two-nil.</p>
<p id="gkHBNa">And those two goals—two <em>away </em>goals—gives Roma an enormous advantage as they welcome the Archbishops to the Stadio Olimpico for today's second leg. Barring a complete collapse, the Giallorossi figure to book their ticket to the Round of 16 today.</p>
<aside id="m5Q5k1"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How to Watch Roma vs. Braga: TV and Streaming Options","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/25/22299354/how-to-watch-roma-vs-braga-tv-and-streaming-options"},{"title":"With Two Goal Lead Over Braga, Roma Look to Advance to Europa League Round of 16","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/24/22298366/roma-braga-europa-league-preview"}]}'></div></aside><p id="I7ltOe">The lineups are in, so let's see if Roma can repeat last week's success. </p>
<h2 id="3u6Fxz">Lineups</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <br> <br>Here's our starting XI tonight! DAJE! <br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaBraga?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaBraga</a> <a href="https://t.co/wOhQzO8cD9">pic.twitter.com/wOhQzO8cD9</a></p>— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN/status/1365012312537595904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="pt" dir="ltr"> | 11 INICIAL - LINE UP | - powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/Betano_PT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Betano_PT</a> <br><br> Já temos para a batalha de Roma! ⚔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRSCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRSCB</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANOSSAHISTORIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANOSSAHISTORIA</a> | <a href="https://t.co/VvTGdB3BH1">pic.twitter.com/VvTGdB3BH1</a></p>— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCBragaOficial/status/1365010243646853125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/25/22300880/roma-vs-braga-lineups-game-threadbren2021-02-25T01:00:00+01:002021-02-25T01:00:00+01:00How to Watch Roma vs. Braga: TV and Streaming Options
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<img alt="AS Roma v Udinese Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tQ6AMI-Vie5_cFK7SQv8dR2q5ro=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68870776/1231168174.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Roma have a two-goal advantage, here's how you can catch tomorrow's match, one that should hopefully see Roma through the Round of 16.</p> <h3 id="HS9R7c">MATCH INFO</h3>
<p id="GlsyV1"><strong>Location: </strong>Stadio Olimpico, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a></p>
<p id="es5LaA"><strong>Kick-off time:</strong> February 25th. 21:00 CET/3:00 EST</p>
<h3 id="pmqbq5">WATCH IT</h3>
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<div id="lstv-root-match-3862970" class="lstv-match" data-match="3862970" data-open="0" data-width="100%" data-height="auto"><a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3862970/roma-vs-sporting-braga/">Roma - Sporting Braga</a></div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) return;js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;js.src = "https://www.livesoccertv.com/widgets/sdk.js?v=82";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, "script", "lstv-jssdk"));</script>
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<p id="Oj0XeG">If you live elsewhere in the world, there are plenty more viewing options <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3862970/roma-vs-sporting-braga/"><strong>here</strong></a>, and if you like snap judgments, cursing, and sarcasm, you can follow us <a href="https://twitter.com/chiesaditotti"><strong>on Twitter</strong></a>. If you haven’t already, join the fray on our message boards; we don’t bite. We’re also available at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chiesa.Di.Totti">Zuckerberg Discount Data Warehouse</a>.</p>
<p id="V3Hq4t">Check out the stream below for our match preview, probable formations and more.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/25/22299354/how-to-watch-roma-vs-braga-tv-and-streaming-optionsbren2021-02-24T22:00:00+01:002021-02-24T22:00:00+01:00Probable Formations: Roma vs Braga
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<img alt="Benevento Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r4tbFGeMEXoAqAAQmmJInXNeLOk=/0x0:1780x1187/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68869655/1303468865.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Danilo Di Giovanni/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>El Shaarawy will make his first Roma start since his return, but it’ll be another makeshift back three as Roma looks to finish off Braga. </p> <p id="9tU7Wm"><a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> enters the second leg against Braga with a 2-0 advantage to its name. A lead that looks even better when you consider the two goals were away goals. However, as we know from past experiences, teams can’t afford to rest on their laurels in Europe with such a narrow advantage. </p>
<p id="QXtVxi">With that in mind, Roma will likely look to score at least one more goal, which could effectively kill off the tie. At the same time, Roma will have to be careful not to stretch itself too thin when attacking, considering the makeshift backline that Paulo Fonseca will be forced to play yet again. </p>
<p id="1RX9k7">Times aren’t as desperate as they were over the weekend when Federico Fazio was forced into the starting XI because Bryan Cristante returns from the injury he suffered in the first leg. However, there isn’t much good news to report on the other three injured center backs: Chris Smalling, Roger Ibañez, and Max Kumbulla. Fonseca issued an update on that trio during his pre-match presser. </p>
<blockquote><p id="zl9mIl">“It’s difficult, I think for Smalling and Ibanez [to be back for the weekend]. I think that Kumbulla is the closest of the three to returning to fitness.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="e6VzUs">With those updates in mind and the fact that Fazio and Juan Jesus were left off of the Europa League roster, it’s clear that Fonseca will again have to cobble together his back three. Cristante’s return means that he will center to defense. That will allow Gianluca Mancini to shift back to the right and Leonardo Spinazzola will again cover the left. That trio is expected to start in front of Pau Lopez who will be looking for his fourth straight clean sheet. </p>
<aside id="elOzdp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"With Two Goal Lead Over Braga, Roma Look to Advance to Europa League Round of 16","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/24/22298366/roma-braga-europa-league-preview"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ooW6i4">Moving into the midfield it looks like Amadou Diawara will get his second consecutive Europa League start after a strong showing in the first leg. With Cristante forced into defense, Jordan Veretout is his likely partner in the central midfield. The wide positions should again be taken up by Rick Karsdorp and Bruno Peres with Spinazzola again forced into the back three. </p>
<p id="z0tEQb">In attack is where we will see quite a bit of turnover. Edin Dzeko should replace Borja Mayoral at the striker position. He will be joined by Stephan El Shaarawy and Pedro after Fonseca confirmed the former would start for the first time since his Roma return. That would afford Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini some rest ahead of Sunday’s big match against Milan. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CXnChQB8fMC8aGNetXclPsm8Tpg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22325740/70C27535_E66E_49DE_A71A_E394F6FE43A4.png">
<cite><a class="ql-link" href="http://createformation.com" target="_blank">createformation.co</a>m</cite>
<figcaption>CDT Projected XI v Braga </figcaption>
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<p id="cdo9NV"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/24/22298889/probable-formations-roma-vs-bragassciavillo2021-02-24T16:32:38+01:002021-02-24T16:32:38+01:00With Two Goal Lead Over Braga, Roma Look to Advance to Europa League Round of 16
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<img alt="Stephan El Shaarawy player of Roma, During the match of the..." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XazA4vsP_NWplm9NYX04NE76SuY=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68867417/1231317863.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Vincenzo Izzo/LightRocket via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Getting up 2-0 on Braga was expected. Can the Giallorossi bring it at home and advance to the Round of 16?</p> <p id="00mvxR">As the race for <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> spots tightens in Serie A, it’s only going to become more important for A.S. <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> to make a real push for the Europa League title. Winning the Europa League will garner the Giallorossi a guaranteed spot in the Champions League for next season, and if Paulo Fonseca’s men continue to advance towards the final in Poland, it might take a bit of the pressure off every single match they play in Serie A.</p>
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<p id="VWEQhK"><strong>Roma vs. Braga:</strong> February 25th. 21:00 CET/3:00 EST. Stadio Olimpico, Roma.</p>
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<p id="xoFAVU">Of course, the opportunity to gain admission to the Champions League through the Europa League has to be won just as much as a spot in the top four. Roma have done a good job to set themselves up for a trip to the Round of 16 by defeating S.C. Braga 2-0 away, but after their 0-0 draw to Benevento this past weekend, you’re allowed to be a little nervous about Roma seeing this tie through.</p>
<h2 id="MKdDjm">First Leg</h2>
<h3 id="3IZE9Y">February 18th: Braga 0, Roma 2</h3>
<div id="A9KdJl"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CIQVTxLXNwo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; clipboard-write; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="mGGulh">In Roma’s first-ever match against Sporting Club Braga, the Giallorossi found their way to a 2-0 victory despite a bevy of injuries. Goals from Edin Džeko and Borja Mayoral, two players arguably fighting for the same spot in the squad, were the difference makers. <a href="https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2021/2/fonseca-team-dug-deep-and-defended-well">Here’s what Paulo Fonseca had to say after the match:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="WXtqza"><strong>Was this an important test of the team’s maturity – one they passed?</strong></p>
<p id="RB0x3o">“Yes, it was a demonstration of the team’s spirit. We had to deal with a lot of issues with our central defenders and finding the right solution to that wasn’t easy. But Spinazzola and Karsdorp did well in those positions. And Veretout, too, did well at full-back. It was tough, but I think all our defenders did really well.”</p>
<p id="Ju0Fv5"><strong>They may have different characteristics, but today your two strikers scored two really important goals…</strong></p>
<p id="VhuFCy">“Yes, they were big goals. Dzeko played really well, and Mayoral came on and did well too. But I think the whole team did well.</p>
<p id="YoIJnI">“Perhaps a lot of people were surprised by how good Braga are, but we were expecting a tough game like this. In the first half they created openings, but we always reacted well and made it difficult for them to turn those moments into chances. However, I think that was down to the work everyone did – not just the defenders.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="q11Xe8">What To Watch For</h2>
<h3 id="fqL3my">Controlling Ricardo Horta</h3>
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<img alt="Sporting Braga v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Round Of 32 Leg One" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KT2FhcULq6m7J6dY8JVzPDR3zZk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22325476/1231246666.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="UXaPuE">Even though Roma kept a clean sheet against Braga last time around, that isn’t to say they don’t have some solid attacking players. Chief among them is Ricardo Horta, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions so far this season. Horta generally operates on the wing, but with Braga manager Carlos Carvahal switching up tactics due to injuries, the Portuguese international moved to more of a striker position against the Giallorossi last time out. If Carvahal is able to build his tactics more freely tomorrow, we may see Horta on the wing again, and he might provide more of a problem for Pau Lopez. </p>
<h3 id="sR9Ya4">El Shaarawy Getting The Start</h3>
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<img alt="Benevento Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fyJlu6iEzP1kkBoCdlPSwEcl3uE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22325477/1303501179.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="vFcCgB">Paulo Fonseca confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Rome’s favorite hairdo, Stephan El Shaarawy, will get the start against Braga. Since moving back to Rome from Shanghai at the last possible moment of the winter mercato, El Sha has been rounding into form but hasn’t found the net just yet. Racking up a goal or two against Braga would not only do wonders for Roma’s chances against the Portuguese side, but it would also make sure that Paulo Fonseca can confidently pick El Shaarawy as a starter when it matters, perhaps even this weekend against his former club A.C. Milan.</p>
<h3 id="oBEjXQ">Will The Real A.S. Roma Please Stand Up?</h3>
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<img alt="Benevento Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yFBhI6Ka8eYVaE0EBzW74bWSS20=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22325478/1303373695.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="W5BndD">Roma’s 0-0 draw to Benevento this past weekend was a drab affair, one where the Giallorossi showed none of the clinical offensive prowess they typically show against smaller sides. In all honesty, it was the first instance of <em>Roma Happens</em> all season, and although the fact that Roma and Paulo Fonseca have largely moved on from those issues is something to celebrate, the Giallorossi couldn’t have picked a worse time to start showing cracks in their dominance over smaller sides. </p>
<p id="xj9Que">Winning convincingly against Braga yet again would quiet the rumblings of a Roma on the verge of collapsing and would suggest that Fonseca’s squad has the mental fortitude to move onwards and upwards from an embarrassing draw. It would also make sure Roma start their against A.C. Milan this weekend on the right foot. Wouldn’t it be great for the Giallorossi to break their streak of underperforming against the big clubs this season with a resounding win against the Rossoneri? That kind of victory can be predicated on a win against Braga - an achievable goal, if Roma and Paulo Fonseca have the <em>grinta</em> to turn the 2-0 lead into a thumping.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/2/24/22298366/roma-braga-europa-league-previewJimmy Miotto