Dzeko praises Roma character in Porto draw

Edin Dzeko has pointed to Roma's 'tremendous character' as one of the key factors in Wednesday's draw at Porto.

After dominating the opening exchanges, the Giallorossi had to batten down the hatches in the second period as they held on with 10 men to leave the Estadio do Dragao with a 1-1 draw - a result Dzeko believes was obtained thanks to the team's togetherness.

“We played well in the first half but wasted too many chances,” the Bosnian striker said after the Champions League play-off first leg in Portugal. “In the second half we showed tremendous character and stuck together as a team.”

Dzeko earned praise from Luciano Spalletti for his defensive work throughout the game, especially after Thomas Vermaelen's 41st-minute red card.

“That sort of thing can happen," Dzeko added. "Thomas was unlucky. The main thing is the team showed character. Now we have to win the return leg.”

Did you think about going down for a penalty when you had that chance in the first half?

“First of all, I didn't expect [Iker] Casillas to fumble the ball like that. I tried to score but unfortunately [Alex] Telles was there on the line to clear it. I think I did everything right; I was just a bit unlucky.”

Which is the real Dzeko? The one we saw last season or the one we've seen this summer?

“I'm just focused on the new season and looking forward. I'll do everything I can to help the team win games and hopefully I can score goals too. We made a good start today.”