Despite all that, Brazilian winger Rodrigo Taddei is optimistic about Roma’s chances of reversing the first-leg defeat. “I’m sure that if we play our best we can go to Old Trafford and reach the semi-finals,” Taddei, who missed last year’s 7-1 drubbing after straining a muscle in the warm-up, told Sky Italia television.

“We know that it will be very difficult, but there are still 90 minutes to go and we’ll play them all. Apart from the night of the seven goals, the games have always been evenly balanced between us.” Roma regain midfielder Simone Perrotta from suspension and Brazilian defender Juan should be back in the starting line-up after returning from an ankle injury to come on as a substitute against Genoa.

Barca call for fans’ support

Barcelona are calling for their supporters to rally round the team for their quarter-final decider at home to Schalke 04 on following weekend protests at their recent performances. Barca won the first leg 1-0 in Germany last week with a Bojan Krkic goal but they have won just one of their last six league games. They were given the white handkerchief treatment at the end of Sunday’s 0-0 draw at home to Getafe, while several hundred fans staged a demonstration to voice their discontent with the president, players and coach Frank Rijkaard.

“This team needs support if it is to pick itself up,” Rijkaard said. “I’ve never got carried away when things are going well and I don’t like seeing everything as being negative either.” Argentine centre-back Gabriel Milito is doubtful after experiencing a recurrence of a groin problem during the weekend. Ronaldinho is out for six weeks with a pulled muscle, while Lionel Messi is still out of action.