Mourinho returns to the Olimpico: Roma face Real Madrid in the Champions League

The rustle of the fans fills the Olimpico as José Mourinho, nicknamed the Special One, prepares to lead Roma against Real Madrid in the second matchday of the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League. After the dismissal in January 2024, the Portuguese coach returns to the stadium he hasn't seen for two and a half years, ready to write another chapter of his yellow‑red adventure.

The return to the heart of the capital

“I’m not here on vacation, in three years I imagine myself celebrating,” Mourinho had said at the presentation conference on July 8 2021, emphasizing that his commitment was not a passing bracket. The coach reiterated that the project is “This is the Roma project,” distinguishing it from that of the Friedkin, from himself or from Tiago Pinto.

The words that marked his era

During his tenure, Mourinho delivered iconic lines: “Come to the stadium to play it,” an invitation to the fans before the second‑leg semi‑final against Leicester in May 2022, and “Today it wasn’t work: it was history,” said after the 1‑0 win over Feyenoord in the Conference League final on 25 May 2022. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, he stated: “There is no and there will never be a word of mine against Roma or against its ownership. When I leave, I leave clean and with a feeling that will forever be my home.”

The link with the South and the future perspective

The South paid tribute to Mourinho immediately after his departure, stating: “Every time you took a stand, for your Romanism you will always be respected.” The coach acknowledged the mistakes made, the matches lost and the criticism received, but emphasized that the bond with Roma arises “also from their love for the club, something that cannot fail to touch you.” He still recalls the victory over Atalanta (1‑4) on 18 December 2021, when he joked: “For 19 months Roma hadn’t won with a big, now it’s been 22 and a half minutes.”

With Lazio still at the center of his past barbs, Mourinho now faces a European challenge that evokes his passion for big matches. The upcoming clash with Real Madrid represents not only a tactical test, but also the opportunity to confirm that, as he said, “I don’t want too much peace, I don’t want too much time: it’s against my nature.”