Preview

Before the match
 
Shakhtar started preparing for it on the day following the win over Vorskla. The Miners trained in Kyiv, and on March 12 they flew to Rome. On the matchday’s eve, the Stadio Olimpico played host to a press conference by Paulo Fonseca and Marlos, along with the open training session.
 
Opponents
 
After the first meeting with Shakhtar, Roma had 3 games in Serie A. Similarly to the match in Kharkiv, Eusebio Di Francesco's men conceded 2 goals from Milan in the second half (0-2). The encounter with the Serie A leaders Napoli was symbolic: an early goal by Insigne was neutralised a minute later by Cengiz Under, with Dzeko bringing his side in front midway through the first half and with the precision shots by Edin and Perotti sealing the win (4-2 at the San Paolo).
 
The last rehearsal for the Giallorossi before the Champions League game was the home defeat at the hands of Torino, with Manolas, De Rossi and Pellegrini netting all 3 goals in the second half. Obviously, the players headed by Di Francesco, who was happy in Kharkiv with only one half, have the balance and readiness to work at high pace for 90 minutes.
 
Head-to-head record
 
The opponents have met in the Champions League on 5 occasions: 4 wins for Shakhtar, one win for the Romans. The goals difference is 9-7.
 
On Roma’s field, the teams exchanged victories. The goal difference is 6-3 in favour of the hosts.
 
Previous UCL meeting
 
In the first leg, the Orange-and-Blacks had to play from behind: in the 41st minute, Under being assisted by Dzeko, scored an important away goal for the vice-champions of Italy. The course of events was reversed shortly after the break, when Ferreyra took advantage of the long ball by Rakitskyy, beat a defender and equalized. In the 71st minute, Fred perfectly converted the free-kick to make it 2-1. This goal sealed the win, although before the final whistle Ferreyra was close to securing a brace (with Alison and Bruno Peres coming to the rescue).