Real Madrid once again demonstrated their legendary UEFA Champions League mentality, producing a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against AS Roma. Trailing 3-1 in Rome until the 82nd minute, Los Blancos looked destined for a disappointing result before turning the match on its head in a dramatic late surge. Gian Piero Gasperini set his side up to press aggressively from the opening whistle, putting the visitors under relentless pressure, while Thibaut Courtois was repeatedly called upon to keep the Spanish giants in contention.

After Roma took control with goals including a strike from de Roon, Madrid responded through Kylian Mbappe, who capitalised on a mistake by Mario Hermoso to give the visitors a lifeline. However, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm for much of the contest, and an error by Vinicius Junior contributed to Roma's second goal. The Brazilian was subsequently substituted as Madrid searched desperately for a way back into the game.

The decisive turning point came from the bench, with Jose Mourinho introducing fresh options, including Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Endrick. The substitutes helped spark a sensational late revival, allowing Real Madrid to complete another extraordinary comeback and secure a victory.

2026-27, Champions League

AS Roma - Real 3:4 (1:1)
Goals: de Roon, 20 (1:0); Mbappé, 25 (1:1); Malen, 51 (2:1); Malen, 58 (3:1); Espi, 83 (3:2); Endrick, 85 (3:3); Rudiger, 90 (3:4)

AS Roma: Gollini; Ndicka; Molina N.; Hermoso (Koulierakis, 81); Mancini G. (Balerdi, 63); Wesley; de Roon; Koné M. (Pisilli, 17); Malen; Soule M. (Pellegrini Lo., 63); Dybala (Mora, 46)
Substitution: Pisilli (from 17); Mora (from 46); Balerdi (from 63); Pellegrini Lo. (from 63); Koulierakis (from 81)
Bench: Vasquez D.; Rensch; Lulli; Ghilardi; Castro S.
Yellow Cards: Mancini G. 60; Wesley 70; Pellegrini Lo. 90

Real: Courtois; Konate; Cucurella (Carreras, 78); Rudiger; Dumfries (Güler A., 60); Tchouaméni (Bernardo Silva, 70); Bellingham; Valverde F.; Diomande Y. (Espi, 78); Vinícius Júnior (Endrick, 60); Mbappé
Substitution: Güler A. (from 60); Endrick (from 60); Bernardo Silva (from 70); Carreras (from 78); Espi (from 78)
Bench: Lunin Andriy; Mestre; Huijsen; Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga; Diaz Br.; Pitarch
Yellow Cards: Carreras 96