Roma bow to the bossa nova

Mancini credited a mix of "technique, strength and samba" for his crucial goal against Olympique Lyonnais as AS Roma won 2-0 in France to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

Backheel of God
With his side 1-0 up, the 27-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed 'Tacco di Dio' - the Backheel of God - ever since a cheeky strike against city rivals S.S. Lazio in November 2003, controlled a long Francesco Totti pass before taunting Lyon's Anthony Réveillère with four step-overs, beating his man and drilling the ball home. "It was a beautiful goal and I'm very happy because I scored in a difficult and important match," Mancini said. "It was a mix of technique, strength and samba but mostly I'm happy to have helped Roma to win. We hope to be the big surprise of this UEFA Champions League even if we know it will be very difficult."

Historic win
Mancini's effort, allied to an earlier strike from Totti, helped Roma take the wind out of the home side's sails and handed Lyon a first UEFA Champions League defeat at the Stade de Gerland since 2002. With Roma having been held to a 0-0 draw in the home leg, it was a remarkable outcome. "It was an unforgettable night for us," admitted captain Totti as he reflected on the game. "We proved to everybody that we are very competitive in Europe. Being among the best eight sides in the continent is a great satisfaction for us, the reward for all of our great work."

Final plans
Friday's draw holds no fear for Totti. He said: "If we keep playing like we did against Lyon, we can believe in our chances of reaching the final in Athens. Our coach [Luciano] Spalletti has done a terrific job fielding a very united team that can defend well and attack with great pace." Mancini was not concerned about their opponents in the last eight, preferring to focus on Roma's own performances. "We only need to continue playing like this until the end of the season," he said. However, Totti was hoping that AC Milan would cross his side's path before too long.

Milan meeting
"I hope they beat Celtic [FC in the second leg of their last-16 tie in Milan] and that we will get them in the draw so we will have anther very fascinating tie and an Italian team will be sure of a place in the semi-finals," said Totti, who will be keeping a close eye on what happens at San Siro tonight.