Figo steers Real into last 16
2004-12-09 08:33
Rome - Luis Figo scored twice as Real Madrid defeated a second-string Roma side 3-0 behind closed doors here Wednesday to clinch a place in the knockout phase of the Champions League.
The match at the Olympic stadium was the second of Roma's two-game ban on supporters following crowd trouble against Dynamo Kiev here in September.
Ronaldo gave Real an early lead with a cool finish before winning a controversial penalty just after the hour which Figo converted.
The Portuguese midfielder then doubled his tally seven minutes from time, juggling the ball in the box before rifling home a low drive.
Victory for Real, only their second in Italy since 1962, ensured a place in the last 16 for the Spanish side for the eighth successive season.
While Roma had nothing to play for having already been eliminated, Real found themselves in the precarious position of needing to win their final group B match to be certain of qualifying for the next round.
Their task was made easier by the fact that Roma coach Luigi Del Neri rested several key players including their captain Francesco Totti.
But it was far from a leisurely stroll for the nine-time European champions despite an excellent start, with Roma hitting the bar and creating several good chances.
Zinedine Zidane won his race to be fit and started in midfield for Real. The now-retired French international has been suffering from a sore back and missed Sunday's draw against Villarreal.
After Ronaldo headed wide from Figo's cross, Roma, who were not even able to console themselves with a place in the Uefa Cup, forced three corners in quick succession without troubling the visitors.
Ronaldo fared better in the ninth minute when he put Real in front.
A quick exchange of passes with Zidane created the opening for the Brazilian, who accelerated clear of the Roma defence and clipped the ball right-footed past Ivan Pelizzoli.
Roma, who lost the away leg in Madrid 4-2 after being two goals ahead, came close to levelling the score in the 31st minute when Vincent Candela's 25-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar.
With only a slender lead to hold onto, Real were susceptible to a sucker punch, but their fears were eased in the 61st minute when they were awarded a dubious penalty.
Ronaldo's robust run took him into the box and as he tried to dribble past Traianos Dellas, the Brazil international fell to the ground under what appeared to be a fair challenge by the Greek defender.
However, Dutch referee Rene Temmink saw things differently and pointed to the spot and Figo slotted the ball past Pelizzoli.
Amantino Mancini forced a flying save from Real keeper Iker Casillas and Daniele Corvia saw his headed goal ruled out for offside as Roma looked to restore some pride, before Figo grabbed his second of the night for a scoreline that flattered the Spaniards.