Roma vs Real Madrid finished Roma 3-4 Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, after José Mourinho’s side scored three goals in the final eight minutes to overturn a 3-1 deficit. Carlos Espí, Endrick and Antonio Rüdiger completed one of the great Champions League comebacks, after Donyell Malen’s double had put Roma in control.
It was a night of drama for Mourinho on his return to the club he once coached, and a night Roma fans will find hard to forget.
Key Facts: Roma 3-4 Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase, matchday 2
- Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Final score: Roma 3-4 Real Madrid
- Roma scorers: Marten de Roon 20′, Donyell Malen (two, second half)
- Real Madrid scorers: Kylian Mbappé 25′, Carlos Espí 83′, Endrick 85′, Antonio Rüdiger 90′
- Real Madrid coach: José Mourinho
Roma vs Real Madrid: How the Comeback Happened
A lively first half
Roma made the brighter start and went ahead in the 20th minute through Marten de Roon, set up by Matías Soulé. The lead lasted only five minutes. Kylian Mbappé levelled in the 25th minute, and it was a special goal for the Frenchman because it came on his 100th Champions League appearance.
Roma suffered a blow when midfielder Manu Koné was forced off injured, but they went into the break level and full of belief.
Malen takes over
The second half started in the best possible way for the home side. Donyell Malen, who joined Roma in January, scored twice in quick succession early in the half to make it 3-1. With the Olimpico roaring, Roma looked set for a famous win.
Seven minutes of madness
Mourinho reacted by sending on Arda Güler and Endrick just before the hour, and later added Carlos Espí. Those changes won the match.
In the 83rd minute Espí reacted quickest in a crowded box to pull one back. Two minutes later Endrick headed in from a corner to make it 3-3. Then, in the final minute of normal time, Rüdiger volleyed home from a Güler delivery to complete the turnaround. Güler’s set pieces were central to the comeback, and he finished the night with two assists.
Talking Points
Mourinho’s bench wins it
All three late goals came from players who either started on the bench or were set up by one. Mourinho’s willingness to gamble with attacking substitutes, rather than protect what he had, is exactly why Madrid left Rome with the points.
Roma left with nothing
For Roma this will hurt. They scored three times, led by two goals with seven minutes left and still lost. Malen was outstanding, Soulé was a constant threat, but tired legs and set pieces cost them dearly.
Rüdiger against his old club
There was a neat twist to the winner. Rüdiger spent two seasons at Roma earlier in his career, and he delivered the decisive blow against his former side.
What It Means
Real Madrid’s comeback keeps them in the race for the top eight in the league phase, while Roma must pick themselves up quickly after a result that should have been a statement win. For context on how we saw this game beforehand, read our Roma vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also enjoy our report on the other big Wednesday night fixture in our Man City vs PSG preview, and the latest tips on our predictions page.
The full Champions League table is on the official UEFA Champions League website.
FAQ
What was the score in Roma vs Real Madrid?
Real Madrid won 4-3 away at Roma on Wednesday 14 October 2026, after trailing 3-1 with seven minutes left.
Who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid against Roma?
Antonio Rüdiger scored the winner in the final minute of normal time, after Carlos Espí and Endrick had levelled the score.
Did Mbappé score against Roma?
Yes. Kylian Mbappé scored in the 25th minute, on his 100th appearance in the Champions League.
Who scored for Roma against Real Madrid?
Marten de Roon scored the opener and Donyell Malen scored twice in the second half.
18+. Bet responsibly. JetBet is licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) of Kenya.
