Roma – RB Salzburg

Austria’s champions will prove their advantage and progress further

Roma have been on their last gasp for the whole of this European season. In the group stage, José Mourinho's side maintained intrigue until the last round, tied on points with Ludogorets, far from the strongest representative of the European football scene. Only a win in the decisive match from the second place in the quartet put the Italian club into the play-offs. In the first leg against Salzburg, the Romans were the favourites. But Mourinho's characteristic defensive play ended in the final, a goal against Roma in the final minutes, a favourite of their critics. Austria's 1-0 win on home soil forced the bookmakers to revise their betting odds on reaching the last eight. Salzburg are now the favourites, with odds estimated at 1.80. The Austrian side took advantage of the relative weakness of their domestic championship to take half a second-string squad to Innsbruck on Sunday and defeat Tirol there. Savings before the match in Rome and a six-point lead over league-chasing Sturm are reasons for the Salzburg players to be in high spirits. For the Bulls, successful play against strong clubs is not new this season. In the Champions League in the autumn, Salzburg took points from Milan and Chelsea. In addition, the team has good Eurocup experience to choose the right strategy for the away game after a winning home game. Roma now have the need to beat a tough Eurocup fighter with a difference of at least two goals. However, more or less strong opponents this season are rarely beaten by the Romans with a good margin. Overall, Mourinho's side have scored 30 goals in 23 Serie A appearances, despite finishing third. Bologna have scored the same number of goals in the Italian championship, while Udinese have done so once more. In the five official meetings in February, Roma have won just twice: against Verona and Empoli. Apart from the defeat to Salzburg, the Romans managed to lose to Cremonese in the Italian Cup during this period. It is unlikely that Roma, in this state, are ready to tackle an ambitious opponent. A cautious bet in favour of the home side.