Two European heavyweights go head-to-head in a match for tens of millions of pounds, as AS Roma and Porto battle it out for a place in next season's Champions League. The first match between the pair finished as a 1-1 draw, so there's plenty of excitement still left in the tie.

19:45 AS ROMA - FC PORTO

Despite the modest result, the first leg was full of exciting events. Roma got the all-important away goal in the 21st minute, as Porto-defender Felipe Monteiro bundled the ball into his own net following a corner. After scoring Roma were in for a defensive battle, as defender Thomas Vermaelen was sent off following two yellow card offenses just 20 minutes later.

Porto's resilience was rewarded with an equalizer on 61 minutes, but despite their man-advantage couldn't find a winner. Roma can be more than happy with a draw from the opening leg, and things are looking slightly more positive for them going into the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico. Porto need to score in Rome if they are to have any chance of reaching the group stages.

Porto's situation is made even worse by the fact that Roma have been extremely strong at home recently. Their last home defeat dates as far back as the last 16 Champions League tie against eventual champions Real Madrid. In their domestic league the Romans haven't tasted the bitter taste of defeat since the 29th of November 2015!

At the weekend Porto just about edged mid-table side Estoril 1-0, while Roma thumped Udinese 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Both are naturally worth three points, but Roma will be coming into the tie high on confidence compared to their Portuguese rivals.

Porto controlled the ball a bit more in the opening leg (53%-47%), and won the attempts on goal- stat 31-12. However, in terms of shots on target both teams managed seven, so it's clear that Roma's defence did a fine job in Portugal despite being a man down. It is also fairly likely that with 11v11, Roma will edge the stats.

For Roma the only worries going into the match are to do with injuries. In addition to the suspended Vermaelen the Romans will be bemoaning the absences of the likes of Alessandro Florenzi, Mario Rui, Antonio Rüdiger, Vasilis Torosidis and Abdullahi Nura. A long and significant list of names.

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