Drugi's mural welcomes Mourinho back to Rome ahead of Real Madrid clash

Street artist Drugi has created a new mural in tribute to José Mourinho ahead of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, 12 October. Mourinho will return to the Stadio Olimpico as an opponent for the first time since leaving the club. The mural depicts Mourinho wearing a Roma scarf while shaking hands with a child dressed in Roma colours who holds the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy won in Tirana. The image symbolically connects Mourinho's past at the club, the memory of that achievement, and Roma's identity.

Real Madrid resumed training on 12 October at Valdebebas to prepare for their Champions League fixture against Roma on Wednesday at 21:00, but controversy continues to swirl over Vinicius Jr's red card and José Mourinho's refusal to attend a press conference following Saturday's 1–0 victory over Villarreal. Vinicius apologised to supporters and teammates on social media for his dismissal after pulling Saliba's hair, but then shared an Instagram story describing the refereeing system as a "mafia" and citing other instances where he felt unfairly sanctioned compared to other players. Television footage from Movistar shows the forward pushing a Liga official manning the pitchside VAR monitor—an action that could result in a suspension of two to three additional matches. The referee committee (Cta) is concerned by Real Madrid's hardline stance towards officials, fearing every match will become a trial of the match official. Tensions have escalated since Mourinho showed photographs after Real Madrid's clash with Atlético, and intensified further against Villarreal. Real Madrid TV amplified the dispute by labelling the incident a "disgrace" and referencing "Liga de Negreira" in the aftermath of Vinicius's expulsion. La Vanguardia notes that Mourinho's arrival has sharpened the confrontation. The Portuguese coach initially stated he trusted "Spanish referees, I believe in their honesty" but has since changed course, putting match officials in his sights. Mourinho will return for a press conference on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, a venue he knows well, before facing Sevilla on Saturday ahead of the Clásico.

Roma drew 0–0 away at Como, salvaging an important point from a difficult visit to the Sinigaglia stadium despite significant adversity. Mile Svilar's absence through injury forced a reshuffle in goal, and the team played for an entire half with a numerical disadvantage after Donyell Malen's expulsion. The result highlighted Roma's resolve under pressure as they kept a clean sheet in testing circumstances.