Shakhtar fight back to edge Roma, United hold Sevilla
February 21, 2018
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Roma
(Ferreyra 52', Fred 71' — Under 41')
A sumptuous free-kick by Fred saw Shakhtar Donetsk come from behind to beat Roma.
Roma had opened the scoring shortly before half time courtesy of rising star Cengiz Under, who latched onto Edin Dzeko's through ball to force the ball under Andriy Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal.
Read more: Bayern demolish Besiktas
The hosts came out strongly after the break and squared the tie through Facundo Ferreyra, who raced clean through and slotted a low shot inside the far post.
Roma's early confidence started to ebb away as Shakhtar took control of the game and were rewarded for their second half display when Fred lifted a wonderful free-kick over the Roma wall and beyond keeper Allison Becker via the underside of the bar.
Becker saved Roma from a heavier defeat with a stunning stoppage time save from Ferreyra, who seemed certain to score with the goal gaping.
In the other Champions League game of the night, last season's Europa League winners Manchester United held Sevilla to a goalless draw, as David De Gea starred for the visitors. Both second legs will take place on March 13.