Roma Hero Dzeko: I’ve Never Seen Barcelona Struggle That Badly
AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko has expressed his shock as Barcelona struggled in their UEFA Champions League second-leg quarter-final clash attheStadio Olimpico on Tuesday night.
Going into the reverse fixture with a 4-1 deficit, Roma won the game with a 3 goal margin thanks to goals from Dzeko, Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas and qualified on the away goals rule after aggregate score stood at 4-4.
It was the first time Roma since 1984 would progress into the semi-final where they went on to lose to Liverpool on penalties in the final.
“This was the best, but even better may well be yet to come,” Dzeko told Mediaset Premium.
“It proved we can play against anyone, as Barcelona are such a strong side. We put three goals past them and could’ve had more.
“I have never seen Barcelona struggle so much. We pressed them constantly from the first minute.
“It was easier for me to play when Schick and Radja were closer to me, as it created more space and stretched out their defence. It was the first time we played with three at the back and we did great. I was very happy with this system.
“We all believed, even if everyone else gave us a five per cent chance. We knew it’d be tough to win 3-0, but now we’ve done it in such a splendid way, I can safely say Roma are deservedly in the Champions League semi-final.
“Every time we’ve faced the big clubs, we have won or got a positive result. Perhaps it’s our fault, as when we are the favourites in a tie, we think for some reason it might be easy, but it never is easy.”
The former Manchester City striker, who was reported to be attracting interest from Chelsea, expressed delight he stayed with Roma.
He added: “Now I can play the semi-final too! It wasn’t easy, but I stayed here and am very happy to be here. I think the club is glad too!”
