Real Madrid scored three times in the closing stages to recover from 3-1 down and beat Roma in a remarkable Champions League match on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
The visitors appeared to be heading for defeat after Roma went two goals ahead in the 83rd minute. But substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick brought Real level before Antonio Rudiger completed the turnaround with a close-range winner in the 90th minute.
Mourinho, who guided Roma to the Conference League title in 2021-22 and the Europa League final the following season, was welcomed back by supporters with several banners celebrating his time at the club. One read: “Welcome back Special One.”
Roma took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon met Matias Soule’s pass with a first-time shot from 20 yards. Their advantage lasted only five minutes, however.
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th Champions League appearance by scoring his 72nd goal in the competition. His effort struck Gianluca Mancini, looped over goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and found the net.
Mbappe now has 72 goals in 100 Champions League appearances and is fifth outright in the competition’s all-time scoring list, moving clear of Real Madrid legend Raul on 71.
Roma regained control after the break through two goals from Donyell Malen in the space of six minutes. The Dutch striker, who played for Aston Villa in 2025, put the hosts 2-1 ahead after Vinicius Jr gave the ball away while attempting a flick. Malen’s shot took a deflection off Real captain Federico Valverde before beating Gollini.
Malen then appeared to have made it 3-1 with a composed finish. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a video assistant referee review showed that Valverde had played him onside.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini responded by introducing a number of defensive substitutes as his side attempted to protect their lead. Those changes could not prevent a late collapse, with Real’s alterations having the greater impact.
Espi pulled one back five minutes after coming on, reacting quickest after Gollini had parried a header from Endrick. The Brazil forward then levelled by heading in a corner delivered by another substitute, Arda Guler.
Guler was involved again for the decisive moment. His set-piece was met by Rudiger, who guided a close-range volley past Gollini to complete a stunning comeback.
Real Madrid have now won both of their Champions League matches. They are six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, while Roma have one point from a draw and this defeat.
