Roma coach Rudi Garcia has said that progression to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is still in the Giallorossi’s hands following their 1-1 draw against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday evening.
The Lupi conceded a last-gasp equaliser against the Krasno-sinei at the Arena Khimki, but Garcia was quick to say that qualification remains in his side’s hands.
“It’s a shame that we conceded a goal late on in the game,” Garcia told Sky Sport. “Now we have to win the upcoming game against Manchester City.
“However, destiny is still in our hands.”
The former Lille coach then went on to cast his view on the game, praising his side’s defensive display in the process.
“It’s a real disappointment, CSKA only had once chance on goal,” he said. “I do not recall any chances they had.
“We defended really well, and we even came close to finishing the game off through [Radja] Nainggolan and [Adem] Ljajic.
“A draw away from home is not a bad result, but what is a shame is conceding a goal like how we did.”
Garcia then went on to praise Leonid Slutsky’s men, stating that Roma’s 5-1 win in the first-leg at the Stadio Olimpico is not a fair reflection of the Russians.
“CSKA are a really good team,” Garcia said. “The result in the first leg isn’t a fair reflection of the side.”
The Frenchman concluded his words by saying that the capital club can still qualify.
“After the draw, everyone thought we were going to get knocked out,” he said. “However, we’re in a position where we can still qualify.”
A win for the Giallorossi against Manchester City at the Stadio Olimpico in the final game will automatically seal progression to the Round of 16.
