Ligue Champions sees Real Madrid mount dramatic comeback at Roma

Real Madrid endured a tense encounter on the Roma pitch on Wednesday, part of the second leg of the Ligue Champions. Kylian Mbappé equalised before half‑time, but Roma responded quickly after the break, only for the Merengues to claw back two goals in the final minutes and secure a 4‑3 victory.

First half sees early lead for Roma

Roma opened the scoring in the 19th minute through De Roon, giving the Giallorossi an early advantage. Real Madrid responded before the interval when Mbappé found the net in the 24th minute, restoring parity at 1‑1 at the break.

Second half swings in Roma’s favour

Just after the restart, Dusan Malen struck twice, first in the 56th minute and again in the 82nd, propelling Roma to a 3‑1 lead. The Giallorossi appeared to be in control as the match progressed into its latter stages.

In the dying moments, the Merengues produced a stunning resurgence. Substitute Carlos Espi entered the field and, two minutes later, scored in the 83rd minute, narrowing the gap. Ten minutes later, another impact substitute, Endrick, headed home in the 85th minute, bringing the score to 3‑3.

The decisive blow came in the 90th minute when Antonio Rüdiger headed the winner from a corner, sealing a 4‑3 win for Real Madrid. The goal followed a corner delivered by Arda Güler, whose cross was mis‑read by the Roma defence.

Both managers made tactical adjustments throughout the game. Gabriele Gasperini fielded a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation for Roma, while José Mourinho deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1 set‑up for Real Madrid, introducing the impactful substitutes in the final stages.

Roma, positioned 25th in their domestic league with a solitary point, will reflect on a spirited performance despite the loss. Real Madrid, now eighth in the Ligue Champions table, join clubs such as PSG, Barcelona and Liverpool in the race for the knockout stages.