Wednesday 26 November 2014 10:57, UK
Roma coach Rudi Garcia hopes his team's 1-1 draw at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday does not come back to haunt them.
The Italians were on course for a vital win after captain Francesco Totti's first-half goal, but Vasili Berezutski's equaliser at the death stunned Roma.
The outcome in Russia left the Giallorossi in second place in Group E, level on five points with Manchester City and CSKA heading into the final round of games.
Roma's final-game opponents City came from behind to beat group winners Bayern Munich 3-2.
"A draw away from home is never negative," Garcia told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But the way it came about was really painful.
"It's a real shame as I don't recall CSKA having any serious chances.
"But the fact is that we didn't score a second, even though we had opportunities to do so, and when you don't kill the game off then this is what happens.
"There were 15 seconds remaining and perhaps my players were already looking ahead.
"It's a shame because a win would have put us on the verge of qualification."
Garcia, however, preferred to focus on the positives.
Roma, who are back in the Champions League after an absence of three seasons, take on City at the Stadio Olimpico on December 10.
CSKA travel to Munich to face Bayern, who have already ensured top spot in the pool and a place in the last 16.
"All is not lost," Garcia said. "Destiny is in our hands.
"We have to beat City.
"When the Champions League draw took place everyone thought we had no chance in this pool.
"Now we will go into our sixth (Champions League) game still alive.
"We have a fantastic opportunity and we must win."
