Real Madrid scored three goals in the closing stages to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat AS Roma 4-3 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League encounter at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Cadena SER and Real Madrid-focused publication Managing Madrid, the visitors recovered from trailing 3-1 to claim victory through late goals from Carlos Espí, Endrick and Antonio Rüdiger.
Roma looked set for victory after taking a 3-1 lead, with Marten de Roon opening the scoring before Donyell Malen struck twice in the second half.
However, Madrid mounted a late comeback, scoring three times in the final stages to snatch all three points.
De Roon put Roma ahead in the 20th minute with an effort that took a deflection off Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté and wrong-footed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid responded five minutes later when Kylian Mbappé scored to draw the visitors level at 1-1.
Roma regained the lead shortly after the restart, with Malen scoring in the 51st minute before adding his second in the 57th minute to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Madrid struggled to contain Roma’s attack for much of the encounter, but their late substitutions changed the momentum.
Espí reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute before Endrick scored two minutes later to level the match at 3-3.
Rüdiger then completed Madrid’s comeback with a late goal in the 90th minute, sealing a 4-3 victory after the visitors had appeared close to defeat.
The win continued Madrid’s strong start to their Champions League campaign under José Mourinho, who returned to face Roma in the Italian capital.
The result also denied Roma a home victory despite Malen’s brace and De Roon’s opening goal.
Madrid’s three late goals turned what appeared to be a defeat into a dramatic away win, highlighting the decisive impact of their substitutes in the closing stages.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]