Real Madrid scored three goals in the closing stages to overturn a two-goal deficit and snatch a dramatic 4-3 victory over Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
Madrid appeared headed for defeat after Roma established a 3-1 lead in the 83rd minute, but substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick sparked a remarkable comeback before Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
The victory extended Real Madrid’s perfect start to their Champions League campaign, with the Spanish giants winning their opening two matches. Roma, meanwhile, were left with just one point from their first two games.
Mourinho, who guided Roma to the Europa Conference League title in 2021-22 and the Europa League final the following season, received a warm reception from the home supporters, who displayed banners celebrating his time at the Italian club.
Roma made a strong start and took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon fired a first-time effort from the edge of the box following a pass from Matias Soule.
Real Madrid responded five minutes later through Kylian Mbappe, whose effort deflected off Gianluca Mancini before looping over Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The goal was Mbappe’s 72nd in the Champions League, moving him ahead of Real Madrid legend Raul, who finished his career in the competition with 71 goals. The appearance also marked the French forward’s 100th match in the tournament.
Roma regained control after the break, with Donyell Malen scoring twice in a six-minute spell to put the hosts in a commanding position.
Malen made it 2-1 after capitalising on a mistake by Vinicius Junior, whose attempted flick resulted in a loss of possession. The striker’s effort took a deflection off Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde before finding the net.
The Dutch forward struck again shortly afterwards, finishing calmly to extend Roma’s lead to 3-1. Although the goal was initially ruled out for offside, a video assistant referee review confirmed that Valverde had kept Malen onside.
With Roma attempting to protect their advantage, manager Gian Piero Gasperini introduced several defensive substitutes. However, Real Madrid’s attacking changes transformed the contest.
Espi pulled one back five minutes after coming on, converting the rebound after Gollini had parried Endrick’s header to reduce the deficit.
Endrick then levelled the score by heading home from an Arda Guler corner, leaving Roma struggling to contain Madrid’s growing attacking threat.
Real Madrid completed the turnaround in the 90th minute when Rudiger volleyed home from close range following another Guler delivery, sealing a remarkable 4-3 victory.
The comeback provided a significant boost for Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign and underlined their ability to fight back under pressure.
For Roma, the defeat was a painful setback after surrendering a two-goal advantage in the closing stages, leaving the Italian side with work to do to revive their campaign.