Eden Hazard scored twice for Chelsea, with his equaliser earning a Champions League point after Roma had stormed back from two down to take the lead.
First-half goals from David Luiz and Hazard had seemingly put Chelsea in control at Stamford Bridge, but former Manchester City duo Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolorov combined to turn the match on its head.
Kolorov’s deflected effort pulled a goal back and Dzeko scored twice before Hazard rescued the Premier League champions.
The result keeps them top of Group C – two points clear of Roma and five clear of Atletico Madrid, who were held to a goalless draw by Qarabag.
Luiz’s superb strike put the Blues ahead after 11 minutes.
Luiz, playing in midfield, strode forward and when his attempted pass to Alvaro Morata was cut out the Brazilian pounced on the loose ball and fired in from 25 yards.
After Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois produced a fine save at his near post to deny Radja Nainggolan, Hazard doubled the lead eight minutes before half-time.
Hazard exchanged passes with the fit-again Morata, whose shot was deflected towards the Belgian, who capitalised by calmly slotting home – his first goal of the season.
But Roma hit back three minutes later when Kolorov cut in from the left past Cesar Azpilicueta and unleashed a fierce shot which looped over Courtois into the net after taking a heavy deflection off Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.
And Dzeko scored twice in the space of six minutes midway through the second half.
The striker equalised with a stunning volley and then headed Roma ahead from Kolarov’s free-kick.
Hazard levelled three minutes later by heading in Pedro’s right-wing cross.
Dzeko then squandered a great opportunity to put his team back in front, heading wide from close range.
And former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, on as a substitute, missed a late chance for Chelsea when he headed wide after being found by Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, David Luiz (Pedro 58), Zappacosta (Rudiger 77), Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard (Willian 80), Morata.
Subs not used: Caballero, Scott, Kenedy, Batshuayi.
This post was last modified on 19/10/2017