BATE can make last 16 history, says Hleb

Roma welcome BATE to the Stadio Olimpico looking for the win that would automatically secure their passage to the knockout stages for the first time since 2011.

Although a draw could also see Rudi Garcia's embattled Serie A side through, BATE can cause a major upset and qualify for the knockout phase if they beat Roma and Bayer Leverkusen fail to beat Barcelona in Germany.

It would leave the Belarusians on seven points, two more than Roma and Leverkusen, and Aleksandr Yermakovich's side have given themselves every chance by arriving in Rome a week early to train in better conditions.

"We decided to come here early because the conditions for training in Minsk weren't optimal," Hleb told Retesport.it.

"We wanted to prepare in the best way possible because we know Roma are a strong side, but also that football is full of surprises.

"We believe in our chances, we can win this."

With Barcelona already qualified, the second qualifying spot and a place in the Europa League for the third-placed finisher is still up for grabs.

But the pressure is arguably all on Roma, who must now be regretting their 3-2 defeat away to BATE earlier in the campaign.

The sides' second meeting comes two weeks after Roma suffered a 6-1 drubbing against Barcelona at the Nou Camp -- a reverse that has left scars at Roma, who have failed to win their two league games since.

But former Arsenal forward Hleb, who also played 19 games for Barcelona during a four-year spell which he spent mainly on loan, believes Roma's result in Catalonia is no indication of their form.

"Barcelona are one of the strongest sides in the world and Roma's defeat at the Nou Camp doesn't signify anything. Above all, it doesn't suggest Roma are a weak side," Hleb added.

"Any team can lose against them (Barcelona), as happened recently to Real Madrid (4-0). You can't compare Barcelona and Roma in terms of strength but the Giallorossi are a very strong side with quality players."