Atletico Madrid 2-0 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

In a hard-fought game at the Estadio Metropolitano, the hosts took the lead midway through the second half through Antoine Griezmann - before substitute Kevin Strootman wrapped up the three points shortly afterwards.

Defender Bruno Peres was shown a red card in the closing stages after a second bookable offence.

With Chelsea winning in Baku against Qarabag, the result means Roma will qualify for the knockout stages if they win against the Azerbaijanis in two weeks' time - or if Atletico fail to beat the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge.

Team selection

With Daniele De Rossi rested at the Estadio Metropolitano (and Alessandro Florenzi left at home to rest), midfielder Radja Nainggolan led the side out for the game.

Elsewhere both Maxime Gonalons and Gerson started, while Bruno Peres slotted in at right-back instead of Florenzi.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

4' - A deep free-kick is nodded towards goal by Augusto, but it's easy for Alisson.

10' - Two good chances for Roma are blocked: both Dzeko and Gerson thwarted with first-time efforts inside the box.

12' - Gerson flashes over after determined work in the air from Pellegrini and Dzeko. Good chance!

20' - From a tight angle, Carrasco flashes a powerful low drive into the side-netting.

30' - Griezmann goes for goal from 25 yards out - but his shot is never on target and Alisson can watch it wide.

41' - DISALLOWED! A deflected Augusto snapshot flies into the top corner ... but the referee blows his whistle for a handball from the midfielder in the build-up!

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

54' - Atletico counter quickly and Carrasco finds space inside the box... but Manolas makes a vital block!

60' - Atletico counter quickly after a Kolarov cross evades everyone in the box - the ball eventually falls for Carrasco but his shot is deflected wide.

66' - Roma applying some pressure now! Nainggolan's inswinging free-kick hits the post one moment, and soon after Kolarov flashes a low drive across goal that no-one gets a touch on!

67' - Torres pulls a shot narrowly wide after an incisive Atletico attack...

69' - Goal. Atletico lead. Correa gets to the byline and puts up an inviting cross that Griezmann acrobatically fires home. 1-0.

71' - Alisson makes a good save to deny Torres from close range.

83' - Red card. Bruno Peres picks up a second yellow card for an awkward tackle on Filipe Luis.

85' - Goal for Atletico. Gameiro gets in behind the defence after a ball from Griezmann, rounds Alisson and slots home. 2-0.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

"Let’s not forget who we’ve been up against tonight. They’re all quality players. We matched them until they scored, but we lacked precision when we won the ball in the first half – there were at least 11 or 12 times we lost the ball in their half of the field."We needed to be more decisive with the final ball and go in search of the goal. They didn’t create very much at all in the first 45 minutes, but after the break they showed more hunger and desire."

- Eusebio Di Francesco

"We showed character in the first half. We press high up the field so sometimes the top teams are going to hurt you. We’ve lost today but I think we can take positives from it for the season ahead. We’re doing well overall but this shows that we need to roll our sleeves up and focus on working hard."At the start of the group, who would have thought that we would have qualification in our own hands going into Qarabag at home. We need to stay confident and give everything we have in the final game."

- Radja Nainggolan

What's next?

Another away trip is next on the agenda for the Giallorossi, as they travel to Liguria on Sunday for a meeting with Genoa.

The following Friday they then host SPAL at the Stadio Olimpico - with the Champions League group stage concluding on the following Tuesday, as Qarabag come to the Italian capital.

ATLETICO MADRID 2-0 ROMA

Goalscorers: Griezmann (69'), Gameiro (85')

Red card: Peres (83')

Atletico: Oblak; Partey, Gimenez, Lucas Fernandez, Filipe Luis; Koke, Augusto, Saul, Carrasco; Griezmann; Torres.

Roma: Alisson; Peres, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Gonalons (El Shaarawy), Pellegrini (Strootman); Gerson (Defrel), Dzeko, Perotti.