Champions League Report: World's Finest Real Humiliate AS Roma

European champs Real Madrid schooled Serie A giants AS Roma with a clear 3-0 win in the opening match of the 2002/2003 Champions League, in the Olimpico on Tuesday afternoon.

It was a fully deserved triumph for Del Bosque's men, who controlled the game in the first half and widely dominated the second.

The first surprise of the match came before the starting whistle. Roma coach Fabio Capello decided to field a defensive-oriented 4-4-2 lineup instead of his usual 3-5-2, replacing Spanish playmaker Guardiola with Argentinean defender Cufrè.

Real dictated the pace of the game in the first minutes, but the Merengues didn't manage to find spaces inside Roma's half-court, as the Giallorossi defended with accuracy and determination. On their part, the hosts tried to reconquer the ball and launch their quick strikers Montella and Cassano.

The first chance of the match was for Montella in the 5th minute, but the Roma striker was anticipated by Hierro before he could get a shot off. Three minutes later, Panucci skimmed the post at the right of Casillas with a powerful header. On their part, Real had a great chance in the 23rd minute with Figo, who entered Roma's box completely unmarked. But instead of shooting, the Portuguese star put the ball in the middle allowing Samuel to clear the danger.

The central part of the first half was quite unattractive, with plenty of fouls and not even the shadow of a scoring chance. Led by a very inspired Cassano, Roma increased their pressure in the last minutes: in the 37th a header by Tommasi flew high over the bar, and a few seconds later Cassano shot wide at the right of Casillas.

Precisely in Roma's best moment, the guests took the lead with a beautiful goal by Guti, who hit the net with an incredibly accurate right-footer from inside the box.

During the break, Roma coach Fabio Capello decided to revert to his original plan, replacing Cufrè with Guardiola. The Giallorossi put a huge pressure on Real in the first minutes of the second half, creating a sweet chance after only one minute. Following a superb play by Cassano, Emerson shot from inside the box but Casillas made a fantastic save.

However, Real reacted promptly, showing to be much healthier and focused than the Giallorossi. Roma were dealt the final blow in the 56thth minute, when Raul scored the second goal with a left-footer from the limit of the box. Instead of reacting, Roma melted down and the rest of the match was a show by the Merengues, who practically scoffed Capello's men with their superb ball possession.

The natural consequance of this domination was Real's third goal, Guti's second of the evening, on 74 minutes. It was a low and powerful drive that left Antonioli no chance.

Delvecchio, who replaced Cassano, hit the post a few moments later, but it was a flash in the pan and the match ended without further emotions.