Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback to beat Roma 4-3 in the Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to turn the match around.
Jose Mourinho’s side looked set for defeat after falling 3-1 behind in the second half. However, Carlos Espi, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger scored late goals to hand the Spanish giants a dramatic victory.
The match also marked Mourinho’s return to Roma, where he had enjoyed success as manager. The home supporters welcomed him with banners celebrating his time at the club.
Roma made a strong start and took the lead in the 20th minute. Matias Soule found Marten de Roon outside the box, and the midfielder fired a powerful shot into the net.
Real Madrid responded just five minutes later through Kylian Mbappe. The French forward, playing his 100th Champions League match, saw his shot take a deflection off Gianluca Mancini before finding the net.
It was Mbappe’s 72nd goal in the competition, taking him past former Real Madrid striker Raul in the all-time scoring list.
Roma regained control after the break as Donyell Malen scored twice in six minutes. Malen put the hosts ahead in the 51st minute after Vinicius Jr lost possession. His shot took a deflection off Federico Valverde and beat the goalkeeper.
The Dutch forward struck again in the 57th minute to make it 3-1. The assistant referee initially ruled out the goal for offside, but VAR allowed it after a review.
Roma appeared to be heading towards victory as the match entered its final stages.
However, Mourinho’s substitutions changed everything. Carlos Espi pulled one back in the 83rd minute, just five minutes after coming onto the pitch. He reacted quickly to score after Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini saved Endrick’s header.
Two minutes later, Endrick headed home from an Arda Guler corner to level the score at 3-3. Real Madrid completed their comeback in the 90th minute when Rudiger converted another Guler corner from close range.
Roma had no answer to the late pressure as Real Madrid secured their second straight victory in the Champions League. The result left Madrid with six points from two matches, while Roma remained on one point after two games.
