Africans in UEFA Champions League action – Tuesday, March 13

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Mar 13, 2018. 10:30

Tonight’s UEFA Champions League action sees Manchester United take on Sevilla at Old Trafford and Roma welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to the Olympic Stadium.

From an African perspective the only real interest lies with United defender Eric Bailly, who could well start for Jose Mourinho’s team despite scoring an own goal this past weekend.

The Ivorian made his first start for the Red Devils since early November when he helped them claim a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

However, Bailly blotted his copybook by slicing a left-flank cross into his own net in the second half. He was otherwise a solid and reliable presence in the centre of defence, keeping quiet a Liverpool attack which featured fellow Africans Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

United and Sevilla drew 0-0 in their first match in Spain last month, meaning the hosts cannot afford to concede away goals. Nonetheless, Mourinho’s side are favoured to continue their strong home form and claim a place in the competition’s quarterfinals.

The other clash in Italy sees Roma looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit from their first leg in Ukraine, where goals from Facundo Ferreyra and Fred secured victory for Shakhtar.

Both clashes kick-off at 21h45 CAT.