Roma's Cengiz Under is their thunder and lightning and other Champions League talking points

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • In the shadows of European giants, Roma‘s trip to Shakhtar Donetsk has gone a little unnoticed.

    With the glamour and attraction of ties like Barcelona v Chelsea and Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain, you would be forgiven for passing on this clash.

    However, there is plenty of intrigue and talent on show as the Giallorossi travel to Ukraine for the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.

    Here, we look at the three key talking points ahead of the game at the Metalist Stadium.

    THUNDER AND LIGHTNING 

    Cengiz Under

    Cengiz Under

    Cengiz Under is the talk of Europe right now.

    Signed from Istanbul Basaksehir for €13.4 million last summer, the 20-year-old has been a relatively slow-burner but since the turn of the year has torched Serie A, scoring four goals in his last three games.

    In the ilk of Arjen Robben, left-footed Under is beginning to carry Roma’s threat from the right, replacing the vacuum left by Mohamed Salah’s departure to Liverpool in the summer.

    Eusebio Di Francesco’s switch from 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 is bringing the very best out of the talented Turkey international and although still raw – naturally for his age there are errors in judgement – he is playing with real confidence right now.

    Looking to stop him from translating his league form onto the European stage will be Shakhtar left-back Ismaily.

    The left-foot v left-foot dynamic on the right will be a fascinating battle for position as the Brazilian will be wanting to keep Under off his stronger side using his weaker side.

    ROMA’S AWAY DAY BLUES AND SHAKHTAR’S HOME COMFORTS

    Shakhtar Donetsk's Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca

    Shakhtar Donetsk’s Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca

    Paulo Fonseca’s Shakhtar have been dominant at home in the Champions League this season despite inhabiting one of the trickier groups in the competition.

    Two of Europe’s most fluid attacking outfits, Manchester City and Napoli, were beaten at the Metalist Stadium – Shakhtar’s temporary home 150 miles away from their

    Donbass Arena due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine – while a win over Feyenoord made it a clean sweep in front of their own fans.

    Meanwhile, the Giallorossi have won just one of their last 12 away games in the Champions League – against perennial punch bag Qarabag.

    They did secure an impressive 3-3 draw at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge but in the league away day troubles have been a similar narrative with defeat in a crucial clash with Juventus and a draw with Inter Milan.

    BERNARD’S BRAZILIAN FLAIR

    Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Bernard (C)

    Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian midfielder Bernard (C)

    Bernard is finally showing the talent his career promised. A potent attacking weapon, he has long been the darling of Brazilian football but tasked with replacing Neymar in the 2014 World Cup after his back injury, he, like others struggled.

    But in both games against Feyenoord and in particular against City this season, he was excellent, showing the pace and flair which led to his Selecao debut at 19 years old.

    Now 25 – although the aging process hasn’t sparked a growth spurt for his diminutive frame – Bernard is angling for a move to one of Europe’s premier sides with his contract up in the summer.

    With three goals in six games in the Champions League, a performance Roma will give him the attention he needs.

    Recommended