Real Madrid scored three late goals to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Roma 4-3 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma looked set for victory after taking a 3-1 lead in the 83rd minute, but Carlos Espi and Endrick helped Madrid draw level before Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
The win maintained Real Madrid’s perfect start to the competition, while Roma were left to rue their inability to protect a late advantage.
Jose Mourinho received a warm welcome from Roma supporters on his return to the club, where he previously won the Europa Conference League in the 2021-22 season and reached the Europa League final the following campaign.
The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon fired home from the edge of the box following a pass from Matias Soule.
Madrid responded five minutes later as Kylian Mbappe’s effort took a deflection off Gianluca Mancini before looping beyond goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The goal took Mbappe’s Champions League tally to 72, moving him ahead of former Madrid striker Raul, who scored 71 times in the competition. The appearance was also the French forward’s 100th in the tournament.
Roma regained the lead after the break through Donyell Malen, whose effort was deflected past the Madrid goalkeeper after Vinicius Junior lost possession.
Malen struck again shortly afterwards to make it 3-1, with the goal initially ruled out for offside before a VAR review confirmed it was legitimate.
Roma attempted to protect their advantage by introducing defensive substitutes, but Madrid’s attacking changes transformed the contest.
Espi reduced the deficit after coming off the bench, converting the rebound after Gollini had saved Endrick’s header.
Endrick then brought Madrid level with a header from an Arda Guler corner, putting the visitors within reach of an extraordinary comeback.
Madrid completed the turnaround in the 90th minute when Rudiger volleyed home from close range following another Guler delivery.
The late goals condemned Roma to a painful defeat after they had appeared firmly in control, while Madrid secured another important victory in their Champions League campaign.
