Real Madrid pulled off an incredible late fightback to defeat Roma in the Champions League, netting three times in the final minutes to transform a 3-1 deficit into a stunning win at the Stadio Olimpico. Jose Mourinho’s return to the ground where he had enjoyed so much success finished in frustration as his present team pulled off an astonishing turnaround.
Roma seemed to have wrapped up the victory after moving two goals ahead in the second half, but Real’s substitutes changed the game. Carlos Espi and Endrick drew the visitors level before Antonio Rudiger hit the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Mourinho’s return ends in dramatic Roma defeat
Mourinho was warmly welcomed by Roma fans, who held up several banners in tribute to their former coach. He had guided the Italian club to the Conference League trophy in 2021-22 before leading them to the Europa League final the next season.
Despite the fanfare around his return, Real Madrid appeared headed for defeat when Roma went 3-1 up in the 83rd minute. The home side had dominated large parts of the match and looked well set to claim a valuable Champions League result.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini tried to safeguard the lead by bringing on several defensive substitutes. But his team found it hard to cope with Real’s late attacking surge, especially from corners taken by Arda Guler.
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Roma went in front in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon beat the keeper with a first-time strike from about 20 yards. Matias Soule provided the assist, letting the midfielder give the home team a deserved lead.
Real Madrid hit back swiftly, equalising just five minutes later. Kylian Mbappe celebrated his 100th Champions League outing by scoring his 72nd goal in the competition, his shot deflecting off Gianluca Mancini before looping over goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The visitors found it difficult to keep their momentum after the interval, allowing Roma to seize control again. Donyell Malen scored twice in a six-minute burst, putting the hosts in a dominant position and leaving Real facing the possibility of their first loss in the competition this season.
Malen’s double puts Roma in control
Roma regained their lead after Vinicius Jr. carelessly gave the ball away while trying a flick. Malen seized on the error, his shot taking a deflection off Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde before finding the net to make it 2-1.
The Dutch forward quickly scored again to stretch Roma’s advantage to two goals. Although the assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside, a VAR review determined that Valverde had kept Malen onside, confirming the goal and leaving Real with a tough challenge.
Gasperini reacted by making more defensive changes as Roma tried to close out the game. But the hosts could not hold up under the pressure once Mourinho started reshaping his team, with Real finding fresh energy through their substitutes.
Real Madrid completes a stunning Champions League comeback
Espi ignited the recovery five minutes after coming off the bench, reacting fastest to a rebound after Endrick’s header had been saved. The goal gave Real new hope and swung the momentum as Roma struggled to recover their defensive shape.
Endrick then equalised with a header from Guler’s corner. The substitute’s contribution proved vital, while Guler kept causing problems with his set-piece delivery.
Real completed the comeback in the 90th minute when Rudiger volleyed in from close range after another Guler corner. Three late goals had turned a seemingly lost cause into a memorable Champions League win for Mourinho’s side.
The result means Real Madrid have won both of their Champions League matches, despite sitting six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Roma, meanwhile, have taken just one point from their opening two games after a draw and this defeat.