Real Madrid pulled off an extraordinary late turnaround to defeat Roma in the Champions League, netting three times in the final minutes to convert a 3-1 disadvantage into a stunning win at the Stadio Olimpico. Jose Mourinho’s comeback to the ground where he had enjoyed significant success concluded in letdown as his present club pulled off an amazing fightback.
Roma seemed to have sealed the victory after building a two-goal cushion in the second half, yet Real’s replacements changed the game. Carlos Espi and Endrick drew the guests level before Antonio Rudiger netted 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 multiple banners paying tribute to their ex-manager. He had guided the Italian club to the Conference League trophy in 2021-22 before leading them to the Europa League final the next campaign.
Despite the festivities around his comeback, Real Madrid seemed headed for loss when Roma went 3-1 up in the 83rd minute. The home team had dominated large portions of the match and looked well positioned to claim a precious Champions League outcome.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini tried to safeguard the lead by sending on several defensive substitutes. Nevertheless, his team found it hard to cope with Real’s late attacking waves, especially from corners taken by Arda Guler.
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Roma broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon hit the target with a first-time strike from roughly 20 yards. Matias Soule provided the assist, enabling the midfielder to hand the hosts a well-earned lead.
Real Madrid hit back swiftly, equalising only five minutes later. Kylian Mbappe celebrated his 100th Champions League outing by netting his 72nd goal in the tournament, his effort deflecting off Gianluca Mancini before looping past goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The away side found it difficult to keep their rhythm after the interval, letting Roma seize control again. Donyell Malen scored twice within a six-minute span, placing the hosts in a dominant position and leaving Real confronting the possibility of their first loss in the competition this season.
Malen’s double puts Roma in control
Roma regained their advantage after Vinicius Jr. carelessly gave away possession while trying a flick. Malen pounced on the error, his shot taking a deflection off Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde before beating the keeper to make it 2-1.
The Dutch attacker quickly scored again to double Roma’s lead. Even though the assistant referee first raised the flag for offside, a VAR check determined that Valverde had kept Malen onside, upholding the goal and leaving Real with a tough challenge.
Gasperini reacted by making more defensive switches as Roma sought to close out the game. Yet the home side could not hold up under the pressure once Mourinho started reorganising his team, with Real discovering fresh energy via their substitutes.
Real Madrid completes a stunning Champions League comeback
Espi ignited the fightback five minutes after entering from the bench, reacting fastest to a rebound after Endrick’s header had been kept out. The goal handed Real fresh optimism and swung the momentum as Roma battled to recover their defensive shape.
Endrick then equalised with a header from Guler’s corner. The substitute’s impact proved vital, while Guler kept causing issues with his set-piece deliveries.
Real finished the comeback in the 90th minute when Rudiger volleyed in from close range after another Guler corner. Three late goals had turned an apparently doomed match into a memorable Champions League triumph for Mourinho’s team.
The outcome means Real Madrid have triumphed in both of their Champions League fixtures, even though they sit six points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona. Roma, in contrast, have gathered only one point from their first two matches following a draw and this loss.