Stat Attack: Facts to know ahead of CFR Cluj visit

Roma host Romanian champions CFR Cluj at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night as the top two in Group A come face-to-face.

Here are 10 pre-match facts worth knowing ahead of the Europa League fixture, which kicks-off at 18:55 CET…

Romans against the Romanians

The Giallorossi have taken on Romanian opposition a total of eight times in European competitions (W4, D3, L1) and have scored 12 goals, while conceding just five in the process.

Previous meetings

These two sides have met on four previous occasions, with this season being the first time they have met outside of the Champions League. The fixture is firmly in Roma’s favour (W2, D1, L1).

Gunning for four on the spin

Cluj may have won the first match between the two back in 2008, but Roma are unbeaten in the three games since (W2, D1) and won the last meeting at the Olimpico - more than a decade ago on 28 September 2010 - by a 2-1 margin.

A first Cluj shutout?

The visitors are the only Romanian team - out of three - to have scored against Roma, who are going in search of back-to-back European clean sheets for the first time since March 2016.

Solid at the back

Roma’s chances of doing just that appear to be good, with Paulo Fonseca’s side having now gone two games without conceding in all competitions.

The battle for No. 1

Both Pau Lopez (0-0 vs CSKA Sofia) and Antonio Mirante (2-0 vs Fiorentina) have been responsible for those successive shutouts and each sit on a record of 10 clean sheets for the club.

Home comforts

Roma have lost only one of their last 16 home games in Europe (W11, D4, L1) and are unbeaten in six European matches at the Olimpico (W3, D3).

Firing shots

Bruno Peres has attempted more shots (five) than any other Roma player in the Europa League this season.

Goal threats at the back

The Brazilian and Marash Kumbulla have accounted for Roma’s two goals in Europe this season, with no other team in the tournament registering as many goals from defenders so far.

Roma’s leading man

Captain Edin Dzeko's 11 Europa League goals in 18 appearances make him the club’s record goalscorer in the competition, although he is currently looking to end a run of five games without a UEL goal.