Real Madrid scored three times in the final stages to recover from 3-1 down and beat Roma in a remarkable Champions League contest on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico.
The visitors appeared to be heading for defeat when Roma went two goals clear in the 83rd minute, but substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick levelled the match before Antonio Rudiger struck a close-range winner in the 90th minute.
Mourinho’s substitutions transformed the game, while Roma were unable to deal with the threat posed by corners delivered by another replacement, Arda Guler.
Espi pulled one back five minutes after coming on, reacting quickly to score from the rebound after Endrick’s header had been saved. The Brazilian then headed Real level from a Guler corner, before Rudiger completed the turnaround by volleying in from another set-piece by the Turkey international.
The result marked a remarkable conclusion to a match in which Roma had looked in control for long periods.
Mourinho received a warm welcome from the home supporters, who displayed several banners celebrating his time at the club. He led Roma to the Conference League title in 2021-22 and guided them to the Europa League final the following season.
Roma made the stronger start and took a deserved lead after 20 minutes. Marten de Roon met Matias Soule’s pass first time with a shot from 20 yards that found the net.
Real responded within five minutes, with Kylian Mbappe marking his 100th Champions League appearance by scoring his 72nd goal in the competition. His effort took a deflection off Gianluca Mancini, looping over goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The match swung back towards the hosts after half-time as Donyell Malen scored twice in a six-minute spell.
Malen put Roma 2-1 ahead after Vinicius Junior carelessly lost possession while attempting a flick. His shot then deflected off Real captain Federico Valverde and beat the goalkeeper.
The Dutch forward soon added another, finishing calmly after initially being flagged offside. A video assistant referee review showed Valverde had played Malen onside, allowing the goal to stand.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini responded with several defensive substitutions as he attempted to protect the lead, but Mourinho’s changes had the greater impact as Real launched their late recovery.
Real Madrid are six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and have now won both of their Champions League matches. Roma have one point from a draw and this defeat.
