Real Madrid rally to 4-3 win over Roma in Champions League
In a dramatic group‑stage clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Real Madrid overturned a 3‑1 deficit to defeat AS Roma 4‑3, with late goals from Carlos Espí, Endrick and Antonio Rüdiger.
By Lawal Ayo, Editor & Founder · Published 15 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT
Match overview The Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico finished 4‑3 in favour of the visitors, who staged a late comeback after trailing 3‑1.
Early dominance by Roma Marten de Roon opened the scoring for Roma in the 20th minute, following a move set up by Matías Soulé. Five minutes later, Kylian Mbappé levelled the score for Real Madrid, his 72nd Champions League goal taking him past Raúl in the competition’s all‑time rankings. The hosts regained the lead in the 51st minute when Donyell Malen converted a chance from R. Mora, and he added a second six minutes later to make it 3‑1.
Madrid’s late surge The visitors’ fortunes changed in the final minutes. In the 83rd minute, Carlos Espí reduced the deficit to 3‑2 with a goal assisted by Endrick. Two minutes later, Endrick himself scored to level the match at 3‑3, with Arda Güler providing the assist. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when former Roma defender Antonio Rüdiger, who returned to the club’s stadium for his first match under José Mourinho, struck the winner.
Managerial context The game marked Mourinho’s return to the Stadio Olimpico, where he previously guided Roma to a Europa Conference League title and a Europa League final. Real Madrid’s victory extended their unbeaten start to the Champions League group stage, while Roma finished the first two matches with a single point.
Key statistics * Real Madrid scored three goals in the final seven minutes. * Mbappé’s goal was his 100th Champions League appearance. * Rüdiger’s winner was his first goal for Real Madrid since re‑joining the club.
Reaction While no direct quotations are available, reports from Spanish outlet Cadena SER, BBC Sport and The Guardian all confirm the dramatic turnaround and the significance of the win for Real Madrid’s campaign.
Conclusion The match will be remembered for its late drama and the way Real Madrid overturned a two‑goal deficit to secure all three points in a high‑scoring Champions League fixture.
Sources
- UCL: Real Madrid stun Roma with late comeback to win 4-3 — Punch
- Champions League: Mourinho’s Real Madrid stage wild comeback on Roma return — The Guardian
- Real Madrid stun Roma after dramatic late comeback — BBC Sport
- UCL: Real Madrid stage dramatic comeback to beat Roma 4-3 — Vanguard
- Real Madrid Edge Roma In Seven-Goal Champions League Thriller — Leadership
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