Gasperini insists Roma outclassed Real Madrid despite loss

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini left the Champions League quarter‑final in stunned silence, insisting his side were far superior to Real Madrid even though the Spanish giants turned a 1‑3 deficit into a 4‑3 victory in the final seven minutes.

Late collapse and defensive lapses

Gasperini criticised his team’s defending in the closing stages, saying the visitors should have protected their lead rather than allowing Madrid to mount a comeback. He highlighted that Roma had established a two‑goal advantage by the 83rd minute but were “completely caught off guard” as Real scored three rapid goals.

Critique of Mourinho’s tactics

Speaking after the match, Gasperini suggested Jose Mourinho’s side had “sent every striker they had into the fray”, leaving Real with only one attacking option in the dying moments. He rejected Mourinho’s claim that Roma were physically exhausted, arguing that Madrid struggled more before their late surge.

Overall performance and future focus

Despite the disappointment, Gasperini maintained that Roma had created plenty of space in open play and handled Real’s pressure well for much of the contest. He warned against letting the final seven minutes erase the team’s earlier work, urging his players to build on the strong overall display. “We were far superior to them,” he concluded, adding that the side must show greater determination in decisive moments.