Roma 3-4 Real Madrid: de Roon 20; Malen 51, 57, Mbappe 25, Espi 83, Endrick 85, Rudiger 90
Real Madrid scored three times in the final seven minutes to beat Roma 4-3 in the Champions League on Wednesday, completing a remarkable comeback after falling two goals behind in Jose Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, finishing a dramatic turnaround that also featured strikes from Carlos Espi and Endrick. Roma had looked set for victory after Donyell Malen scored twice early in the second half, but Madrid’s threat from corners proved impossible to contain.
The result spoiled what had been an emotional occasion for Mourinho, who was welcomed back by Roma supporters with banners and chants celebrating his achievements during two and a half years at the club. He led them to the Europa Conference League title and the Europa League final before leaving in January 2024.
Roma started confidently and took the lead in the 20th minute. After Madrid surrendered possession, Matias Soule set up Marten de Roon, whose powerful left-footed shot beat Thibaut Courtois with the aid of a deflection.
Malen missed an opportunity to extend the advantage before Kylian Mbappe punished Roma at the other end. The French forward collected a flick-on from Yan Diomande, turned Mario Hermoso and fired past Pierluigi Gollini in the 25th minute to equalise.
The goal came in Mbappe’s 100th Champions League appearance. At 27, he became the youngest player to reach that milestone, surpassing the record previously held by Lionel Messi, who achieved it at 28.
Jude Bellingham sent an effort wide as Madrid looked to take control before the break, but Roma remained competitive and emerged for the second half with renewed purpose.
Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Malen capitalised on a misplaced pass from Vinicius Junior. Rodrigo Mora played him through, and the forward took a touch before finishing past Courtois.
Malen struck again six minutes later, exploiting space in the Madrid defence after another pass from Soule. His finish was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed the goal and gave Roma a 3-1 lead.
Mourinho responded by withdrawing Vinicius and introducing Endrick, while Madrid increased their attacking pressure. Gollini denied Mbappe twice in quick succession as the visitors searched for a route back into the contest.
Madrid finally reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute. Endrick’s header was saved, but Carlos Espi was on hand to turn in the rebound and give the visitors hope.
The equaliser followed just two minutes later. Arda Guler delivered a corner and Endrick rose to head the ball into the net, silencing the home crowd and setting up a tense finish.
Madrid completed the turnaround in stoppage time, with Guler again providing the delivery from a corner. Rudiger, who previously played for Roma, finished from close range to give the Spanish side victory.
