Real Madrid made a sensational comeback from 3-1 down, scoring three late goals to snatch a superb Champions League victory over Roma on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho led Roma to the Conference League title in 2021-22 and then the Europa League final the next season, prompting the home fans to display several banners honoring their former manager.
However, Mourinho’s current team, Real, appeared destined for defeat and trailed by two goals in the 83rd minute.
But substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick leveled the score at 3-3 before Antonio Rudiger struck a dramatic close-range winner in the 90th minute.
Mourinho’s substitutions proved decisive, as Roma struggled to deal with corners from another substitute, Arda Guler, and fell apart late in the match.
Espi scored five minutes after entering the game, converting the rebound after Endrick’s header had been parried away.
The Brazil forward then headed home from Guler’s corner before Rudiger volleyed in another Guler set-piece from close range.
It was an extraordinary ending to an exciting match.
The hosts deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon struck a first-time shot from 20 yards after receiving Matias Soule’s pass. Yet Real was behind for just five minutes.
Kylian Mbappe, making his 100th Champions League appearance, saw his shot deflect off Gianluca Mancini and loop over goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini for his 72nd goal in the competition.
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But two goals from Donyell Malen within six minutes of the second half appeared to put the match beyond Real’s reach.
The Dutch striker, who played for Aston Villa in 2025, restored the lead to 2-1 after Vinicius Jr carelessly lost possession while attempting a flick, with Malen’s shot taking a deflection off Real captain Federico Valverde.
Malen soon made it 3-1 with a composed finish. The goal was initially ruled offside, but a video assistant referee review confirmed that Valverde had kept him onside.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini introduced several defensive substitutes in an attempt to protect the lead, but Mourinho’s changes turned the match around.
Real, six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, have now won both of their Champions League matches, while Roma have one point from a draw and this defeat.
