Roma produced a spectacular turnaround to earn a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Borriello, De Rossi and Totti inspire Italians to stunning turnaround
Roma produced a spectacular second-half fightback to put the UEFA Champions League knockout stages within touching distance after a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich.
Trailing to a Mario Gomez double at half-time, Claudio Ranieri's club had appeared destined for a nervy trip to Cluj in their last Group E match after a wretched first-half performance at the Stadio Olimpico.
But Roma mustered a stunning comeback as Marco Borriello, Danielle De Rossi and a penalty from substitute Francesco Totti exposed the complacency of already-qualified Bayern and eased Italian anxiety.
The Serie A outfit now sit second in the group with nine points ahead of facing rock-bottom Cluj on 8th December, while Basel, who visit Bayern, occupy third place with six points.
Roma have been in excellent form in Serie A and climbed into fifth place at the weekend with a 2-0 triumph over Udinese.
Threat
They were the first to threaten in the game with Borriello hitting the ball on target and forcing Bayern Munich goalkeeper Thomas Kraft to dive and push the attempt away.
Shortly after, Franck Ribery, starting after an injury absence, fed Martin Demichelis outside the area and his well-struck attempt went wide of the far post.
In the 33rd minute, Gomez broke the deadlock. Ribery fed his 25-year-old team-mate and his right-footed strike inside the box beat Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio.
Roma had little time to react as Gomez notched his second six minutes later.
Thomas Muller threaded the ball through the Roma defence and Gomez shot towards the bottom right corner and out of Julio Sergio's reach for his sixth goal in five Champions League matches this season.
Reward
Roma picked up the tempo after the re-start and their efforts were rewarded.
A great run from Menez saw the French striker get past Demichelis and play the ball into the area where Borriello managed to get his foot to the ball and fire past Kraft.
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri brought on Totti to replace Matteo Brighi and in the 81st minute, the Italians pulled level.
John Arne Riise crossed into the area and De Rossi was there to tap the ball in.
Roma went ahead soon after when Totti stepped up to take the penalty following the foul on Borriello.
| Roma |
Team Statistics |
FC Bayern Munich |
| 3 |
Goals |
2 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
2 |
| 10 |
Shots on Target |
3 |
| 6 |
Shots off Target |
11 |
| 1 |
Blocked Shots |
2 |
| 3 |
Corners |
4 |
| 16 |
Fouls |
7 |
| 3 |
Offsides |
3 |
| 4 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 78.8 |
Passing Success |
86 |
| 18 |
Tackles |
24 |
| 88.9 |
Tackles Success |
66.7 |
| 39.1 |
Possession |
60.9 |
| 50.3 |
Territorial Advantage |
49.7 |
|
