Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid fought back from two goals down to defeat AS Roma 4-3 at Stadio Olimpico in the UEFA Champions League
- Antonio Rudiger netted the dramatic winner after Carlos Espi and Endrick rapidly levelled the score in the closing stages
- The result extended Roma’s winless run in European competition to five matches (D3, L2), while Real Madrid secured their 20th win in their last 22 Champions League encounters against Italian sides
Match Analysis
At a charged Stadio Olimpico, Real Madrid produced a remarkable turnaround to clinch a 4-3 victory over AS Roma in a gripping UEFA Champions League fixture. The hosts, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, extended their worrying run to four defeats from their last six European home matches, while the Spanish giants reinforced their formidable record against Italian opposition in Europe.
Roma, with Jose Mourinho returning to the city where he guided them to Conference League success four years previously, made a purposeful start. Early chances for Matias Soule and Paulo Dybala threatened Thibaut Courtois’ goal, with the Real Madrid keeper forced into an impressive stop to deny Mario Hermoso.
🙌 ¡REMONTADA EN ROMA! 🙌 https://t.co/T09d2vCIFC
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 14, 2026
Key Moments and Goals
Despite the early injury loss of Manu Kone, Roma seized the initiative on 20 minutes. Dybala reclaimed possession in midfield to spark a move concluded by Soule providing for Marten de Roon, whose long-range, deflected effort found the back of the net past Courtois.
Donyell Malen nearly doubled the advantage as his shot almost eluded Courtois, but Real Madrid responded through Kylian Mbappe. Marking his 100th Champions League appearance, the France international netted with a deflected strike over Pierluigi Gollini.
Just before the break, Jude Bellingham was unable to complete the turnaround as he sent Vinicius Junior’s cross wide, ensuring parity at half-time.
After the interval, Real Madrid’s ambitions suffered a setback when a loose pass from Courtois to Vinicius Junior was intercepted, allowing substitute Rodrigo Mora to feed Malen. His close-range finish benefited from a Federico Valverde deflection, beating Courtois at the near post.
Soon after, Soule delivered a through ball that sliced through the Real Madrid defence, enabling Malen to claim his second and Roma’s third with clinical composure.
Real Madrid briefly believed they had pulled one back after Yan Diomande’s pass sent Mbappe clear to finish, yet the effort was rightfully chalked off for offside.
Late Drama and the Decisive Goals
The momentum shifted dramatically in the final minutes. In the 83rd, Carlos Espi prodded home after Gollini could not hold Endrick’s initial header. Barely two minutes later, Endrick himself levelled proceedings with a powerful header from Arda Guler’s corner.
With Roma’s defence now stretched, another pinpoint Guler delivery caused havoc, and Antonio Rudiger hammered in the decisive goal to seal a stunning turnaround for Real Madrid.
| Team | Score | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| AS Roma | 3 | de Roon (20’), Malen (51’, 57’) |
| Real Madrid | 4 | Mbappe (30’), Carlos Espi (83’), Endrick (85’), Rudiger (87’) |
Impact and Notable Performances
Roma were left to reflect on another painful setback in Europe, having failed to register a victory in their last five continental fixtures (three draws, two losses). For Real Madrid, this latest triumph means they have now won 20 of their previous 22 UEFA Champions League matches against Italian clubs, underscoring their dominance in such encounters.
