Di Francesco: Roma and Real Madrid are both sick Champions League - Roma vs Real Madrid Discussed the two teams' form

Roma's Champions League meeting with Real Madrid is a game between two teams struggling for form, Eusebio Di Francesco has acknowledged.

Both have had disappointing starts to their domestic season, although they have each won three in Europe, and come into the game off the back of away defeats to Udinese and Eibar respectively.

"Roma are facing the current European champions," he told reporters.

"Is it better to play against them now? Real Madrid can say the same about us.

"We are two teams who are, in speech marks, sick, and we have our problems in the league.

"However, we are playing against the champions and it isn't just any match and the fact that we come into this on nine points is a very positive thing.

"I think Real Madrid will be similar on a tactical level [to the first meeting], although I do see differences at the psychological level.

"When we played the first leg, they were doing very well and we still had to fix some things.

"It is a totally different moment on a mental level now."

On Saturday, Di Francesco vented angrily about a lack of desire from his players that has been in evidence this year and he doubled down on those comments when quizzed about it once more.

"What is missing for us is the determination and desire to win games and that's something that you can't buy in the transfer market," an annoyed Di Francesco said.

"I have no explanation for it.

"I have enough problems with my own team, but we will go into the game determined and with great effort because that is what we need."

The match kicks off at 21:00 CET on Tuesday evening.