UCL: Real Madrid survive Roma scare in dramatic comeback win

Real Madrid staged a remarkable late comeback to beat Roma 4-3 away from home in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, scoring three goals in the closing minutes to snatch victory in a dramatic reunion for José Mourinho.

The 15-time European champions looked set for defeat after Roma scored twice early in the second half to take a two-goal lead. However, substitutes Carlos Espí and Endrick restored parity before Antonio Rüdiger struck a dramatic 90th-minute winner.

All three late goals came from corners delivered by substitute Arda Güler, turning a seemingly lost contest into a memorable victory for the Spanish side at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma made a strong start in front of their home supporters, with Mario Hermoso forcing an early save from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The hosts took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon fired home from distance.

Real responded five minutes later through Kylian Mbappé, whose deflected effort levelled the score. The goal came on the French forward’s 100th Champions League appearance, making him one of the youngest players to reach the milestone at 27.

Mbappé’s strike was his 72nd in the competition, moving him into the all-time top five scorers ahead of former Real Madrid forward Raúl González.

Roma regained control after the break, with Donyell Malen scoring twice within six minutes to put the hosts 3-1 ahead. His goals appeared to leave Real with too much to do, as Mourinho’s side looked poised to secure a significant European victory.

But Real’s late surge changed the contest. Espí scored after Endrick’s header was parried, before the Brazilian forward headed in Güler’s corner to make it 3-3. Rüdiger then volleyed home another Güler delivery from close range in the 90th minute to complete the turnaround.

Mourinho, who previously led Roma to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022 and the Europa League final in 2023, received a warm reception from the home crowd.

Supporters displayed banners and chanted in honour of the Portuguese coach during Roma’s first home Champions League match in more than seven years.