Real Madrid Stage Stunning 4-3 Comeback Against Jose Mourinho's Roma
Real Madrid scored three late goals to defeat Jose Mourinho's Roma 4-3 in a thrilling Champions League match.
Real Madrid completed an astonishing comeback to beat Jose Mourinho's former club Roma 4-3 in a Champions League classic on Wednesday, easing pressure on manager Jose Mourinho. The Spanish giants scored three goals in the final seven minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at the Stadio Olimpico.
Marten de Roon had given Roma a deserved lead in the 20th minute with a powerful shot from 25 yards. However, Real Madrid equalized against the run of play when Kylian Mbappe struck in his 100th Champions League appearance. A defensive lapse allowed Mbappe to race clear, and his deflected shot found the net, leveling the score before halftime.
Early in the second half, Donyell Malen scored twice in six minutes, seemingly putting Roma in firm control of the match. The Dutch forward's brace appeared to have sealed a memorable victory for the Italian side against the 15-time European champions.
However, Real Madrid mounted a dramatic late surge. Carlos Espi, Endrick, and former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger all scored from corners in a seven-minute spell to complete the stunning turnaround. The goals left the home crowd and Mourinho stunned, as Real Madrid secured a vital away win.
Mourinho, who managed Roma for two-and-a-half years, leading them to a UEFA Conference League title and an Europa League final, was honored by the home supporters with banners and chants. The match marked Roma's return to the Champions League after a significant absence.
Despite Roma's strong start and early lead, Real Madrid's resilience and late-game efficiency proved decisive. The comeback highlighted Real Madrid's storied history in the competition and their ability to produce results even when under pressure.
Mbappe's goal was his 72nd in the Champions League, moving him into the all-time top five scorers, ahead of Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez. The French striker became the youngest player to reach 100 Champions League appearances at the age of 27.
The result puts Real Madrid in a strong position in the group, while Roma will be left to rue their late collapse. The match served as a thrilling advertisement for the Champions League, showcasing dramatic swings in momentum and high-stakes drama.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.