Figo inspires Real victory

Real Madrid, without the suspended Zinedine Zidane, returned to the Champions League with an inspirational 1-2 win against Roma on Tuesday night.

Real began briskly with Roma keeper Ivan Pelizzoli getting down to a low shot from Luis Figo in the first minute. But it was Roma who took the game by the
scruff of the neck from then onwards.

Vincenzo Montella, Marcos Cafu and in particular Francesco Totti caused problems for Real's defence but with just Gabriel Batistuta in support, the Italians were left with few options in front of goal.

Totti glanced a header just wide after 21 minutes and then Batistuta was left wrong-footed and could not convert a Montella cross minutes later.

Raul thought he had poached the opener on 29 minutes connecting with a killer through-ball from Guti but his shot was amazingly cleared off the line by Antonio Zago.

Real striker Jose Maria Gutierrez was presented with a golden opportunity just before half-time following a lightning counter-attack from the Spanish side, but with just Pelizzoli to beat, he skewed his shot wide of the post.

Real had better luck in the second half and took the lead in the 50th minute with an exquisite free-kick from Luis Figo when he curled the ball inside the left post from 30 yards.

Eight minutes later, the Portuguese ace cracked a stinging volley that was turned around the post by Pelizzoli.

Real then extended their lead in the 62nd minute when an inch-perfect Figo cross was headed home by Jose Maria Gutierrez.

Roma pulled a goal back after 72 minutes when Jonathan Zebina was floored by Aitor Karanka resulting in a penalty kick.

Totti stepped up and blasted the spot-kick home as keeper Iker Casillas stood rooted to the spot.

Roma were now inspired by the goal and went in search of a second and Batistuta almost emulated Figo's free-kick prowess with a superb effort that was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Casillas.

Substitute Abel Balbo lashed a sweeping shot against the bar with just five minutes remaining and Pelizzoli pulled off a sensational save in the dying seconds to prevent Raul from adding a third for Real Madrid.