Fabio Capello has expressed his disappointment over the late goal Roma conceded against AEK Athens, which prevented the Italians from being seeded in Friday’s draw for the second phase.
Costa Rican striker Walter Centeno’s 90th minute leveler for the Greeks ensured that Real Madrid topped the group ahead of the Serie A side, despite their disappointing 1-1 draw with Genk.
Capello said: “Friday’s draw will now be hard for us, but we can take heart from the way we played.”
One of the side’s Roma could face in the second round are Arsenal.
Despite Capello’s fears, the Premiership club’s manager, Arsene Wenger, believed the primary advantage of winning a group was psychological.
He said: “To be seeded is a slight advantage, but more importantly we wanted to finish top because we felt we deserved to. We feel we were the best team in the group.”
The draw for the second phase will take place in Geneva on Friday at 11.30 CET.
