Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico in the UEFA Champions League, extending the Italian side’s winless run in European competition to five matches, with three draws and two defeats.
Match Report
Real Madrid scored three goals in the closing seven minutes to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over Roma, with Antonio Rudiger and Endrick playing decisive roles in a dramatic late turnaround.
Los Blancos were trailing 3-1 before Carlos Espi pulled one back in the 83rd minute. Endrick and former Roma defender Rudiger then completed the comeback, leaving the home supporters stunned.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Roma started brightly, with Matias Soule curling an effort narrowly wide after just 48 seconds. Mario Hermoso also came close, forcing Thibaut Courtois into an excellent full-stretch save with a curling attempt.
Paulo Dybala subsequently fired wide from Nahuel Molina’s cutback. Although Roma suffered a setback when Manu Kone was forced off through injury, they took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon’s first-time strike from outside the penalty area took a deflection and beat Courtois.
Madrid, however, drew level against the run of play. Kylian Mbappe, making his 100th appearance in the Champions League, capitalised on an error by Hermoso before unleashing a powerful finish past Pierluigi Gollini. The goal also marked his 500th goal involvement in club football, comprising 378 goals and 122 assists.
Jude Bellingham missed a golden opportunity before the interval, sending his effort narrowly wide of the right post. His miss proved costly as Roma seized control after the break, with Donyell Malen scoring twice within six minutes.
Malen first beat Courtois at the near post following an excellent pass from Rodrigo Mora. He then completed his brace with a simple finish after Soule supplied a clever pass, putting Roma 3-1 ahead.
Mbappe thought he had scored again after the hour mark, but his effort was ruled out. Madrid’s substitutes subsequently changed the course of the contest.
Endrick initially saw his header from a corner saved by Gollini, but Espi reacted quickest to convert the rebound and reduce the deficit in the 83rd minute.
Just two minutes later, Madrid struck again as Endrick rose unmarked to head home Arda Guler’s corner, bringing the visitors level and setting up a dramatic finale.
The comeback was completed in the 90th minute when Rudiger volleyed past Gollini, sealing a stunning 4-3 victory for the Spanish giants.
Endrick stakes his claim as Mbappe breaks Messi record
Endrick’s decisive contribution came after Mourinho was questioned about the young Brazilian’s limited playing time during his pre-match press conference. The Portuguese coach had expressed confidence in the forward’s future, and his performance offered a glimpse of his potential.
Both of Endrick’s attempts proved vital to Madrid’s comeback. His first effort led to Espi’s goal, while his subsequent header restored parity and gave Los Blancos the belief that they could secure all three points.
Although Endrick, Espi and Rudiger attracted much of the attention, Guler also played a crucial role. The substitute registered two assists, with his accurate delivery from set pieces proving decisive in Madrid’s late revival.
Guler’s creative form has been impressive, with only Lamine Yamal (40), Michael Olise (36) and Florian Thauvin (33) creating more chances in Europe’s top five leagues this season than his 31. His performance could strengthen his case for a return to Mourinho’s starting line-up.
Endrick, however, may still have to settle for a substitute role, with Mbappe remaining ahead of him in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Mbappe made history by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 European Cup/Champions League appearances, achieving the milestone at 27 years and 298 days. He surpassed Lionel Messi’s previous record, set at 28 years and 84 days in 2015.
The French forward also became the eighth player to score on his 100th appearance in the competition and the third to achieve the feat for Real Madrid, following Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014 and Toni Kroos in 2019.