Real Madrid put out an incredible comeback run to beat AS Roma 4-3 to claim an important three points in the UEFA Champions League away from home.
Jose Mourinho’s side came from two goals behind in the second half to secure all three points at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome after 90 minutes.
Kylian Mbappe, Carlos Espi, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger scored for the Spanish side, while Marten de Roon and Donyell Malen, who scored twice, were on target for the host.
The result showed Madrid’s fighting spirit, but their defensive problems will concern the coaching staff who still need more work.
Roma started the game with confidence and put Real Madrid under pressure. The home side attacked with purpose and made life difficult for Madrid’s defence.
Their efforts paid off in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon opened the scoring. His shot took a deflection off Donyell Malen, making it difficult for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to stop.
MatÃas Soulé provided the assist for the goal which made the scoreline 1-0. The visitors wasted no time in responded quickly to leveling things.
Kylian Mbappe found the net in the 25th minute after receiving a pass from Yan Diomandé. The French forward finished the move to make it 1-1 and bring Madrid back into the contest.
The visitors had opportunities to take the lead before half-time. Jude Bellingham failed to make the most of a promising shooting chance, while Marc Cucurella also missed a good opportunity, sending his effort into the side netting.
The host remained dangerous whenever they moved forward, and both teams continued to look for another goal. However, the first half ended with the score level at 1-1 despite how many opportunities were created.
Roma came out strongly after the break and quickly took control of the match. Fonyell Malen scored in the 51st minute to put his side ahead 2-1.
The Dutch forward struck again in the 57th minute, extending the home side’s lead to 3-1. His two goals left Real Madrid in serious trouble with time still on their side.
The visitors struggled to control the midfield and looked vulnerable whenever the host attacked. The home side appeared to be on course for an important Champions League victory.
The La Liga team needed a response, and the changes from the bench proved decisive. Arda Güler and Endrick came on in the second half and helped change the game.
Güler brought more control and creativity to Madrid’s midfield, while Endrick added energy and a direct threat in attack. Madrid’s comeback began in the 83rd minute.
Substitute Carlos Espi scored with a header after Endrick’s effort created the opportunity. The goal reduced the deficit to 3-2 and gave the visitors fresh hope.
Two minutes later, Endrick scored the equaliser with a well-timed header, making it 3-3. The young Brazilian was central to Madrid’s late revival and gave the host little time to recover.
The visitors were not finished as the match carried on with little time left. In the 90th minute, Antonio Rudiger scored the winning goal with a header from an Arda Güler corner.
The late strike completed a remarkable turnaround and sent the travelling Madrid supporters into celebration as they claimed a 4-3 victory after 90 minutes of action played.
Real Madrid’s missed chances earlier in the match nearly proved costly. Bellingham was unable to convert a promising first-half opportunity, while Cucurella also failed to take advantage of a clear opening.
Mbappe had another effort ruled out for offside, adding to Madrid’s frustrations. Courtois also made important saves to keep Madrid in the game during Roma’s attacking spells.
The 4-3 victory gives Real Madrid a valuable three points in the Champions League league phase and maintains their perfect start to the competition, according to post-match reports.
Roma, meanwhile, will regret allowing a two-goal advantage to slip away. Endrick’s impact, Güler’s creativity and Rüdiger’s decisive finish were the major talking points.
They showed why they remain dangerous until the final whistle, but they will need to improve their defensive organisation in their next match.
For Roma, the defeat is a painful lesson in protecting a lead. For Madrid, it is a memorable European comeback that could provide a major boost for the rest of their Champions League campaign.
