Champions League prize pool confirmed at €2.5 billion for 2026–27 season

Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, will visit the Olimpico for Roma's first home Champions League match of the season following a controversial weekend victory. Mourinho was recalled by Florentino Pérez to restore leadership to a squad that appeared adrift after Carlo Ancelotti's departure and the brief tenures of Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa. Real Madrid's 3–2 win against Villarreal on Saturday was marred by dispute: Yan Diomandé scored his first goal for the club, but Vinicius Junior's apparent second was ruled out by VAR, with the Brazilian subsequently sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair. The Bernabéu erupted in fury, and Mourinho protested vehemently before declining to attend the post-match press conference. Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma's head coach, noted the parallel with Roma's own recent match against Como played with a numerical disadvantage: "Them though, they managed to take it home, we drew it." Roma arrive in sharply contrasting circumstances—also having played with ten men but emerging with different feelings about their display. The Olimpico atmosphere will carry emotional weight: Mourinho spent three seasons at Roma and retains a strong bond with the supporters, who are expected to offer him a special reception. The club has no plans for banners or singing, Mourinho said, requesting only respect. The fixture also carries refereeing history: François Letexier, who will take charge, was central to the Vinicius–Prestianni incident during Benfica–Real Madrid last season, when the Brazilian reported racial abuse from the Argentine defender. Mourinho, then Benfica's manager, was sent off by Letexier for protesting during that match. An IFAB rule was subsequently introduced following that controversy. Mourinho's task is to harness the momentum—or, as Spanish observers termed it, the "hysteria"—surrounding Real Madrid's win to move past the pressure and speculation about his position. A victory at the stadium that was his home for three years could silence doubts and transform the club's trajectory.

Real Madrid trained on 12 October ahead of their Champions League match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday at 21:00. The squad's starting players, who won their previous fixture against Villarreal, completed specific recovery work. The remainder of the team trained with possession drills before moving into small-sided matches. Rodrygo and Asencio remain sidelined and are continuing their respective recovery programmes.

Paulo Dybala has spoken ahead of Roma's Champions League clash against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, saying he hopes to end his career in Italy. Speaking to UEFA Champions League Magazine Show on Prime Video two days before the match, Dybala reflected on Roma's performance last season and the challenge ahead. "We gave everything last season," he said. "It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride too. It will be difficult—we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world—but with the push from our people we will have something extra." On his years in Italy, Dybala expressed gratitude for how the country has shaped him. "I never imagined I could have a career like this here. This country welcomed me with open arms, the people made me grow as a man and as a player. There are so many emotions here—beautiful moments and difficult ones, as is life for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending," he said.