Roma began the second half full of purpose and Dzeko looked poised to tap-in Kolarov’s low cut back only to see the ball diverted off his toes by the alert Courtois.

A disgruntled Luiz was replaced by Pedro but Roma had taken a stranglehold and levelled in stunning fashion as Dzeko belted an unstoppable left-foot volley beyond Courtois.

Six minutes later Dzeko took his tally for the season to 12 goals in all competitions for club and country, the Bosnian hitman left unmarked to head in Kolarov’s free kick.

Roma’s lead lasted only four minutes though as Hazard glanced in Pedro’s cross with a superb header.

There was still time for both sides to win a classic encounter, the best falling to Dzeko who inexplicably headed wide from point blank range.

Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco praised his side’s character.

“We were two goals down after two individual mistakes but we had 70 percent of the ball in the first half,” he said. “We tried to win with the right mentality.”

Results from the Champions League on Wednesday night:

Benfica 0
Man United 1

CSKA Moscow 0
Basel 2

Bayern Munich 3
Celtic 0

Anderlecht 0
PSG 4

FK Qarabag 0
Atletico Madrid 0

Chelsea 3
Roma 3

Barcelona 3
Olympiacos 1

Juventus 2
Sporting Lisbon 1