Real Madrid scored three goals in the closing stages to overturn a two-goal deficit and secure a dramatic Champions League victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Italian capital.
Roma appeared to have the match under control after building a 3-1 lead, but Real struck three times late in the game to snatch a remarkable win. Substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick brought the Spanish side level before Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner.
Mourinho, who previously guided Roma to the Europa Conference League title in 2022 and the Europa League final the following season, received a warm reception from the home supporters. Several banners celebrated his return, but the evening ended in disappointment for the Italian side.
Real Madrid Turn the Game Around
Roma took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon fired a first-time shot from around 20 yards. The strike came after receiving a pass from Matias Soule. Real responded five minutes later through Kylian Mbappe, whose strike deflected off Gianluca Mancini before looping over goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The visitors struggled again in the second half as Donyell Malen scored twice within six minutes to put Roma 3-1 ahead. Malen’s first goal followed a misplaced attempted flick by Vinicius Jr, allowing the Dutch forward to shoot past the goalkeeper. The ball took a deflection off Real captain Federico Valverde on its way into the net.
Malen soon struck again, finishing calmly after initially being flagged offside. A video assistant referee review overturned the decision, confirming that Valverde had played him onside. With Roma seemingly on course for victory, the hosts’ manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, introduced several defensive substitutes in an attempt to protect the lead. However, Mourinho’s changes proved decisive.
Substitutes Inspire Late Rally
Real reduced the deficit when Espi scored five minutes after coming on. He converted the rebound after Endrick’s header had been parried by Gollini. Endrick then levelled the score with a header from an Arda Guler corner, leaving Roma struggling to contain Real’s renewed attacking pressure.
The comeback was completed in the 90th minute when Rudiger converted another Guler set-piece from close range. Guler’s delivery from corners proved particularly damaging as Roma’s defence repeatedly failed to deal with the late pressure.
The result gives Real Madrid two wins from their opening two Champions League matches. The Spanish side, who are also pursuing Barcelona in La Liga, continue their European campaign with renewed confidence. Roma, meanwhile, are left with one point from their opening two matches after a draw and the defeat.
