Pepe, Sneijder And Saviola On Roma Draw

Real Madrid are well aware of the test that they face having been drawn against Roma in the first knockout phase of the Champions League as Pepe, Wesley Sneijder and Javier Saviola explained.

The Spanish giants finished on top of the group in the previous round and have the advantage of playing at home against the Italians and Pepe believes that performing in the opening game will be crucial.

"Roma are a very difficult team, but at this stage of the Champions League it will be important that we start well," the defender said.

"We expect to play well in the first game and then be able to progress."

"To earn a result in Italy will be very important for us. We know that we have to gain an advantage in the first match and then finalise it in the Bernabéu."

Sneijder is hopeful that having experienced the Olympic Stadium in Rome earlier this season, the Madrid players will not be in for any surprises.

"We already know that city and the stadium as we have played there against Lazio and I believe that this wil be a great tie," he explained.

Saviola picked out Francesco Totti as the player to watch and warned that Madrid will have to ensure he has an off day if they want to not be caught out.

"Totti is the player that makes the difference to Roma, he can win games alone and sets up everything," he stated.

"He is a complete player. We will have to careful with him."