Real Madrid vs Roma Betting Tips and Predictions

Real Madrid’s European record against Italian opposition is an abomination but with a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Rome they are superbly placed to right that particular wrong. Under new coach Zinedine Zidane Real have been explosive in home games, thrashing a very useful Celta Vigo team 7-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday. Despite missing Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos, Real should have more than enough in reserve to get through this tie, especially now Gareth Bale is fit again. The row about Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about his team-mates already feels a long time ago.

Roma are in great form, winning seven straight Serie A matches, but they were roundly outplayed by Real in the first leg. Losing 2-0 is bad, but at home it leaves them with a mountain to climb. Roma will, in all likelihood, have to score three goals at the Bernabeu to have a chance of booking a place in the quarter-finals. Luciano Spalletti has players who can hurt Real, namely Mohamed Salah, Gervinho, Stephan El Shaarawy and set piece specialist Miralem Pjanic, but the task in front of them looks far too big.

Real have racked up some massive scores at the Bernabeu – beating Malmo 8-0, Real Vallecano 10-2 and Espanyol 6-0 – but Roma have enough about them to avoid a thrashing. Roma will need to push forward and could make a game of it with an early goal, but Real should come through with ease. Backing Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 6/4 with bet365 is a solid selection, while 9/1 with bet365 for a 3-1 home win appeals too.