AS Roma have fought hard to record a tough 3-2 win over Swiss champs FC Basel in Group E of the Champions League.

The Romans hit the front in the 16th minute through Jeremy Menez who pounced a loose ball to sidefoot home before Francesco Totti converted from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after John Arne Riise was brought down in the area by Valentin Stocker.

Alexander Frei got Basel back into the contest with just over 20 minutes remaining when he headed home from three yards out but Roma's Leandro Greco restored his side's two-goal advantage with a 76th minute strike.

Basel again fought back through Xherdan Shaqiri who produced a brilliant left-foot finish but the final-minute sending off of Stocker for a second bookable offence snuffed out the home team's chances.

Roma are now on six points after four games and are basically playing for second spot with Basel and CFR Cluj after Bayern Munich made it four from four against the Romanians.

UEFA Champions League - Group EFC Basel (SUI): 2 (Alexander Frei 69', Xherdan Shaqiri 83') AS Roma (ITA): 3 (Jeremy Menez 16', Francescot Totti (p) 26', Leandro Greco 76')

Venue: St Jakob-Park, BaselReferee: Bjorn Kuipers Yellow cards:BAS - Valentin Stocker 24', Marco Streller 49' ROM - Marco Cassetti 49', Simone Perrotta 50', Jeremy Menez 75' Red card:BAS - Valentin Stocker 90'