GARETH BALE continued his stunning Champions League run as Real Madrid secured top spot in Group G.
Despite their domestic woes, the holders remain on course to defend their crown for a fourth-successive season after the triumph at Roma.
After a goalless first-half it took just seconds for the Welshman to break the deadlock after the restart with a gift from the home defence.
Awful play by Roma's Federico Fazio put Bale clean through and he made no mistake in drilling past goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
That strike came against the run of play, and last season's semi-finalists continued to attack as they attempted to draw level.
Roma threw everything at the Galacticos, but the La Liga giants produced a classic sucker punch on the break to end hopes of a fightback.
Champions League Wednesday: Preview, kick-off time, TV channel and live streamAttacker Lucas Vazquez was the man who fired home from close-range, but it was Luka Modric and Karim Benzema who had linked up to tee-up the 27-year-old.
Madrid can now go in to their final group match assured of top spot.
FAN FURY AEK Athens supporters leave Ajax fans bloodied after throwing PETROL BOMB
Despite this setback, Roma are also into the knockouts with a match to spare after Viktoria Plzen's victory at CSKA Moscow earlier.
Bale has now either found the target or laid on an assist for a team-mate in his last five European outings as he looks to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
RABBI MATONDO turned his back on England and achieved his dream of playing with Gareth Bale.
And Wales new sensation now wants to make his breakthrough with Pep Guardiolas Manchester City.
The 18-year-old Citys fastest player ahead of Kyle Walker and Leroy Sane made his bow off the bench as Ryan Giggs side lost 1-0 to Albania this month.
Read what the starlet had to say here.
Real Madrid stars show off incredible keepy-ups skills with training game