Javier Mascherano expecting tricky Roma test

Barcelona centre-back Javier Mascherano has branded Roma "a quality side" ahead of their meeting in the group stages of the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Catalan outfit, who won their fifth European Cup last season, will travel to Italy to take on the Serie A team in their Group E opener this week.

Mascherano has said that his team are "really up for returning to the Champions League", but has warned of the dangers facing the Catalan side in Rome.

"We're really up for returning to the Champions League, a competition that's very special for us. Roma play football. This sometimes works well for us, but they're a quality side and we know they're going to play their game from the off and fight for every ball," Mascherano told UEFA.com.

"They are a side with tradition and, above all, we know how hard it is to go to Italy and play. Tactically, they're teams that defend well and it's not easy to score against them. It will be a difficult game for us.

"As with each and every Champions League game, it will be intense. We know that we have to correct the things that went badly for us if we're to play a good game."

Bayer Leverkusen and BATE Borisov, Group E's other two occupants, will also meet on Wednesday evening.