Gasperini on Real Madrid: 'We must rely on our own strength'

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho discussed his side's preparations for their Champions League clash against Roma, the second matchday of the competition. Mourinho outlined his tactical approach to Roma's pressing game, saying his intention is to prevent Roma pressing so high, adding caution given the players he has. "They press man-to-man like no one else, and we will see if we can take advantage of this. And if we cannot manage it, we hope they drop the pressure by five or ten metres." Mourinho reflected on Roma's strength in defensive organisation, praising how Rüdiger and Konaté performed together in their last match. He acknowledged the psychological edge Roma hold as the home side. "They played very well in their last match together, with great ability to lead and resist in a difficult situation, with thirty minutes playing with fewer men. I don't want to say Dean doesn't have the capacity to play such a match, but it's a beautiful atmosphere for Roma and a heavy one for us, and I think a man with Antonio's experience can be important."

Gian Piero Gasperini will not alter Roma's tactical approach to contain Real Madrid's attacking threat, the head coach confirmed on the eve of the Champions League fixture at the Olimpico—the club's first home European night in 3,165 days. Real Madrid arrive with an array of attacking talent in Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius, who between them have scored 527 goals excluding international appearances, but Gasperini ruled out man-marking across the pitch or wholesale tactical changes. "The Roma do not betray themselves," he said, pointing to the aggressive and courageous style that carried the club to third place in Serie A and Champions League qualification. Gasperini acknowledged Real Madrid's quality and their continued adaptation under new management, citing their victory over Inter as proof of their calibre. He emphasised that Roma will take the field with their established identity, a philosophy already proven in memorable European nights such as the 2–0 win at Liverpool in 2020. The Real Madrid attack, powered by Mbappé and Vinícius, will demand maximum concentration from the Roma defence, particularly in guarding against the counter-attacks that are Mourinho's favoured weapon. The fixture pits individual contests across the pitch: Malen against Mbappé, Dybala against Bellingham. When asked to compare himself with Mourinho, Gasperini deflected the question while underscoring his Roma side's achievements, joking about the Friedkin ownership and Mourinho's ability to assemble world-class talent. The coach approached the match vigil with enthusiasm and conviction that Roma can compete at the highest level.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico at 21:00 tonight in a Champions League fixture that carries profound emotional weight with the return of José Mourinho as an opposing manager. Gasperini has made the Champions League a central objective since his arrival, and tonight offers the kind of occasion he identified as essential to the club's European ambitions. The story is framed around Mourinho's homecoming—a return that carries strong memories for the Roma environment—but on the pitch, the task is straightforward: to measure Roma's maturity against one of world football's strongest and most decorated teams. Gasperini has acknowledged the enormous emotional significance of Mourinho's return and the deep affection Roma's supporters hold for the Portuguese coach, recognising that his extraordinary achievements and career record deserve full respect and recognition. However, sentiment gives way to football's only judge. Roma's ambition is to win and to face Real Madrid without fear. Gasperini has noted that Real Madrid represent an absolute point of reference globally and that an opponent of such standing is difficult to use as a standard of comparison. The Blancos are still completing their bedding-in period following a change in coaching staff, yet they remain a formidable force—capable, as they demonstrated, of beating Inter in Europe. For Roma, this is a night of prestige and maturity in which the club wants to prove it belongs on such a stage.