Roma repeated their home 2-1 win against Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, prompting visiting coach Luciano Spalletti to praise his players for “a great effort”.
Madrid had Pepe sent off on 71 minutes and two minutes later Roma took the lead through Rodrigo Taddei.
But Raul replied almost immediately for Real, but as the home side pressed for the goal they needed to send the game into extra-time, Roma wrapped up the game in injury-time when Vucinic headed home a Christian Panucci free-kick.
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster identified Pepe Míchel’s red card and an injury to Salgado as pivotal moments in the game.
“Real Madrid fought well against a very well-organised team,” said Schuster.
“We knew it was difficult but we tried to find a way to score. We had no luck tonight. My players did everything they could and I must congratulate them. We had smart opponents in front of us. Some people thought that Roma were not serious opponents for Real Madrid but they have shown that was a big mistake.
“We dominated until going 1-0 down and we could have scored a second goal but it was difficult. Pepe’s red card and the injury to Salgado were keys to this match.”
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti felt his team deserved to go through and singled out the role played by the three substitues.
“Real Madrid tried to be the more aggressive but my players didn’t allow it,” he said. “My team played very well and won the match with a great effort. I congratulate them.
“We came here to win and we did. My team responded perfectly to my instructions. We suffered today but we deserved to go through. Both teams played well and that makes this important victory even more valuable.
“I am satisfied with all my players. The substitutes [Claudio Pizarro, winning goalscorer Mirko Vucinic and Christian Panucci) were very important tonight because they helped to keep the match in our hands.
“The team is growing and we have learned a lot in recent games. I always think of our supporters and our president when we win. Good luck to Real Madrid in the Spanish league.”
