Francesco Totti has given Roma a 1-0 lead at the break in their crucial Champions League encounter with CSKA Moscow in Russia.

The winner of the match will give their chances of reaching the last 16 a huge boost ahead of tonight's clash between Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

The visitors started brightly with some purposeful attacking play before CSKA sprung to life with around 15 minutes played.

The first proper chance of the game came soon after as Alan Dzagoev shot wide from 25 yards following a surging run from the midfielder. Roma then tested the opposition goalkeeper midway through the half when Radja Nainggolan blasted over from long range.

Roma struggled to get forward as much as they would have liked to as the half moved on, with the likes of Totti, Gervinho and Adem Ljajic all looking isolated in advanced areas.

However, a good opening came on 36 minutes as Totti set Alessandro Florenzi clear, only for the midfielder's inviting cross to evade everyone inside the penalty area.

CSKA responded instantly when Seydou Doumbia found himself through on goal with just Morgan De Sanctis to beat, but the forward shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The Russians were made to pay just a few minutes later as Totti gave Roma the lead with a powerful free kick from the edge of the box that beat the goalkeeper.