AS Roma have booked a place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals following a surprise 2-0 away victory over French Champions Lyon on Tuesday. Italy midfielder Francisco Totti stunned the home crowd with a surprise header in the 22nd minute and Brazilian winger Alessandro Mancini sealed the last eight spot with a brilliant goal just before the interval. The visitors also had an early goal disallowed after Totti pushed his man while setting up Daniele De Rossi in the sixth minute. The defeat sent Lyon out of the Champions League round of 16 for the first time in three years, having played in the last two quarterfinals. Explosive start Lyon had an explosive start, dominating the possession and coming close from breaking the deadlock more than once.
Mancini added the second But the Serie A challengers had the lead when Max Tonetto's cross from inside the six yard box was headed home by the anticipating Totti. The Giallorossi doubled their lead when Mancini's acrobatic dribble left Anthony Revelleire out of the play before drilling a flying shot past France keeper Gregory Coupet. Lyon waited usual free-kick efforts from captain Juninho Paulista but the Brazilian playmaker failed to convert more than once, as the Roman defenses remained stable. Five minutes into the second period, Roma keeper Doni showed safe hands, denying Sylvain Wiltord and Juninho in two occasions. Doni showed determination to keep a clean sheet at Stade Gerland, saving a deflected half volley from Kim Kallstrom on the hour mark. Lyon manager Gerrard Houllier desperately tried to energize his ranks, drifting in youngster Karim Benzema who couldn't add much to the French champions.
