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On Tuesday, Argentine national team defender Roberto Ayala stated that in order to win the UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday, the most important thing is to shut down the leader of the Italian club.
"Roma relies on Totti. Although he has excellent teammates, just by shutting him down the chances of winning increase significantly," said the Spanish club defender at a press conference. "They are a great team that tries to press in the middle of the field, but they mostly rely on Totti's creativity."
R.Ayala knows better than some other players how dangerous F.Totti can be. In the 2003 UEFA Champions League match, "Roma" triumphed in Valencia with a score of 3-0, and two goals were scored by the "Roma" star.
"I remember those games, but I don't like to talk about past victories or defeats. We need to focus on the win," said the Argentine. "Thanks to the team management, we now have a lineup capable of fighting on three fronts, and even in each of them, to be one of the favorites."
In Wednesday's match, "Valencia" will be without their most expensive summer signing Joaquin, who received a two-game suspension. Meanwhile, Spanish national team defenders Asier del Horno, Carlos Marchena, and midfielder Ruben Baraja are injured.
"Valencia" won their first D group match two weeks ago 4-2, defeating Piraeus' "Olympiacos" in a tight game. On that occasion, the in-form Fernando Morientes scored a hat-trick.
Meanwhile, "Roma" started their European campaign with a stunning 4-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk.
