Opinion: Shakhtar fans give their views on facing Roma in the Champions League

We asked five Shakhtar Donetsk supporters five questions about their verdict on drawing Roma in the knockout stages of this seasons Champion's League...

Here's what supporters of the Ukrainian champions think of their last-16 match-up...

Sergii Filonenko
@bigphilua

What are your thoughts of facing Roma in the last-16 of the Champions League?

“Well my first thought was probably 'could’ve been worse'. I think that if Shakhtar manage to hit their good form come match day, these two sides will be evenly matched.”

What do you think of AS Roma?

“Although there were possible picks that were stronger than Roma on paper, I think that Roma should definitely not be underestimated. Qualifying from first place in their group, with such opponents as Chelsea and Atletico - and scoring a total of six goals against Chelsea in two games - shows that they are more than capable of playing strongly against any opposition.”

As Shakhtar are at home in the first game, do you see this as an advantage for them?

“I actually prefer Ukrainian sides to play their first games on the road. We generally pile together a more or less decent lead after our first home games only to lose it disgracefully in the second game (look no further than Dynamo Kyiv and their CL qualification with Young Boys).”

What is the feeling with the club and fanbase with drawing Roma?

“While manager Paulo Fonseca has said that Roma is a very strong opponent, the general sentiment among coaches, players and fans is that Roma is definitely a better option than, say, Barcelona or PSG. So, the general mood is probably relief.”

If you could choose one player out of the Roma team not to feature in the game because of his talents, who would it be and why?

“There’s definitely a lot of talent in Roma, but I’m kind of torn between Stephan El Shaarawy and Nainggolan. I think I would go with El Shaarawy because of his versatility and because Shakhtar do tend to have some problems with containing fast players on wings.”

Ukraine Premyer Liha
@Premyer_Liha

What are your thoughts of facing Roma in the last-16?

“Very interesting tie and certainly winnable. In my opinion Shakhtar are happy with this draw.”

What do you think of AS Roma?

“Roma are difficult opposition, no doubt about it - they have been in good goalscoring form in Seria A recently and have some very good players. There is a very strong spine to the team."

As Shakhtar are at home in the first game, do you see this as an advantage for them?

“Yes, it’s an advantage. Kharkiv is proving a very difficult venue for opponents to play at - this season alone both Napoli and Manchester City have lost in Ukraine. It’s a very different atmosphere compared with last season when they played in Lviv.”

What is the feeling within the fanbase at drawing Roma?

“It seems that everyone is excited. A difficult opponent but there is no reason why Shakhtar cannot win this tie.”

If you could choose one player out of the Roma team not to feature in the game because of his talents, who would it be and why?

“For me, it would be Radja Nainggolan. His strength and work rate are fantastic and will prove to be a very difficult opponent to play against.”

Danil Rybitskyy
@ryb1tskyy

What are your thoughts of facing Roma in the last-16?

“Great opposition to play against. I thought we would end up with a tougher draw. We have beaten them before, so no reason why we can’t do it again.”

What do you think of AS Roma?

“Roma are a well organised team, with great players. When I think of Serie A I think of them.”

As Shakhtar are at home in the first game, do you see this as an advantage for them?

“No, I don’t see this an advantage. If it was over one game, of course it would be, but the fact we have to go to the Stadio Olimpico for the return leg means it is a must win game for us at home.”

What is the feeling within the fanbase at drawing Roma?

“Exciting, there was a buzz around the country when the draw was being made and when Roma came up, I was happy with the draw.”

If you could choose one player out of the Roma team not to feature in the game because of his talents, who would it be and why?

“For me, it would be Aleksandar Kolarov. His experience in the competition is immense and I believe he will cause us many problems down the left. We must keep him quiet.”

Valentine Zipunyak
@ValentineZi

What are your thoughts of facing Roma in the last-16?

“Over two games, I believe we have a good chance of going through. We beat Manchester City, so why not Roma?”

What do you think of AS Roma?

“They are strong opposition. A club full of tradition and great players over the years, with the likes of Totti, Perotta and Doni.”

As Shakhtar are at home in the first game, do you see this as an advantage for them?

“No, ideally I would have preferred to play the second leg in Kharkiv and played in Rome first. We must get a huge result at home which we can build on and hopefully it can help us through to the quarter-finals.”

What is the feeling within the fanbase at drawing Roma?

“A great draw. I wasn’t expecting to play Roma at all. I was hoping for an English team – but overall I think all fans are happy with it.”

If you could choose one player out of the Roma team not to feature in the game because of his talents, who would it be and why?

“Edin Džeko, he is a great player and has been for many years. Despite his age now, at 31, he still has it in him and there is no doubt he will cause us problems over the two games.”

Oleg Savka
@iamolegsavka

What are your thoughts of facing Roma in the last-16?

“A good draw all round for both I think. Roma have the advantage and seem stronger, but you never know in football.”

What do you think of AS Roma?

“They have quality players in all areas and will be hard to break down. I like the club overall, they are a good footballing side.”

As Shakhtar are at home in the first game, do you see this as an advantage for them?

“Yes, I think it does. They have to travel the long distance to Ukraine first, to a stadium where us fans will be right behind our team from the first whistle.”

What is the feeling within the fanbase after drawing Roma?

“I heard the draw and was very happy with it. We could have got a much harder team, but glad we ended up with Roma. The mood around the country was excitement.”

If you could choose one player out of the Roma team not to feature in the game because of his talents, who would it be and why?

“Radja Nainggolan is a player I have always admired, as well as his hair! But he is a great player, solid in the middle and will be a catalyst for them in the middle – he’s a top player and would love him at Shakhtar one day.”