UEFA Champions League player ratings: AS Roma 3 – Bayern Munich 2 (Part 1)
AS Roma and Bayern Munich went head-to-head in a Champions League group match last night. Bayern were already assured of first place in the group, while Roma had the chance to cement their place in the round of 16. Bayern went 2–0
up in the first half thanks to a Mario Gomez brace, but the Gilarossi mounted a historic comeback to register a 3–2 victory in front of the Lupi faithful.
Bettor.com analyses the players on the pitch
AS Roma
Julio Sergio – 6
The Brazilian custodian has done extremely well over the last twelve months to become the club’s first choice goalkeeper, and tonight was no different. Sergio was left exposed by his defence for the goals he conceded, but he was secure
as ever in the second half.
John Arne Riise – 7
The Former Liverpool man put in a decent display on the left side of defence. Riise was often seen bombing down the left flank and linked up well with his team-mates. He provided the assist for De Rossi’s equaliser with a perfect cross,
and that was no less than what he deserved for his efforts.
Philippe Mexes – 6.5
After some mediocre seasons, the Lupi fan favourite has slowly rediscovered the form that made him such a highly sought after player in the peninsula. Mexes was subdued in the first half as the Gilarossi conceded twice, but the player
was a colossus in the second period and kept Mario Gomez under shackles. A goal saving tackle on Franck Ribery was the highlight of his game.
Nicolas Burdisso – 5.5
Burdisso’s lack of intelligence was exposed by Thomas Muller in ruthless fashion in the first half, and that meant that Roma struggled. However, Ranieri’s improved tactics after the break meant Burdisso had an easier 45 minutes in
the second half.
Marco Cassetti – 5.5
Cassetti was often seen galloping forward during the ninety minutes, but neglected his defensive duties. Gomez ghosted past the Italian for the first goal.
Matteo Brighi – 5.5
Brighi was unable to stamp his authority on the pitch, but kept things simple by breaking up play and playing simple passes. He was unlucky not to score a goal in the second half, as Kraft made a superb reflex save from his low drive.
Daniele De Rossi – 7.5
The Captain on the night had a tale of two halves. While he was subdued in the first, Rossi turned on the steam with an inspired show in the second period. His sheer resilience got him the rewards as he scored the all-important equaliser
for his side.
Leonardo Greco – 5
His inexperience at the highest level was clear as day. The talented midfielder received a yellow card early in the proceedings and was subdued thereafter. Ranieri justly took him off at the half-time interval.
Jeremy Menez – 8.5
The French wizard has started repaying the big money the Gilarossi shelled out on him two seasons ago. Menez was a constant menace for the Bayern rear-guard and his assist for Borriello’s goal was of the highest quality.
Mirko Vucinic – 7
Full of speed and quality, Vucinic played a critical yet understated role in the Roma victory. The Montenegrin forward delivered a perfect through ball for Riise’s assist.
Marco Borriello – 7.5
Borriello has made a habit of scoring unorthodox goals and last night was no different. He opened the scoring for the Gilarossi with a great finish, and his holdup play was sublime as ever.
Substitutions:
Fabio Simplicio – 5.5
He replaced Greco at half time but provided little in terms of improvement. Simplicio squandered two great chances for the Gilarossi, which could have been costly.
Francesco Totti – 6.5
The club legend and skipper entered the fray on the 75 minute mark to rapturous applause. Er Pupone scored the winner in a truly fitting manner.
David Pizarro – 5.5
Pizarro was thrown on in the dying moments of the game and had no time to make an impact.
UEFA Champions League player ratings: AS Roma 3 – Bayern Munich 2 (Part 1)
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