Gasperini plots Vinicius plan: Wesley shifts right as Roma prepare for Real Madrid

Donyell Malen will face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening at the Olimpico seeking redemption on multiple fronts. The forward received a one-match ban for his red card against Como on Sunday and will miss the Serie A fixture against Genoa before returning for the crucial away trip to Napoli. Malen has unfinished business with Madrid, having lost the 2024 Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund. "It will be a special experience. Since I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we have succeeded and have the opportunity to enjoy the evening," he said. Malen has scored six Champions League goals in his career but has never found the net in Roma colours in Europe. He has been in remarkable form domestically since his arrival in January, with only Harry Kane and Raphinha scoring more goals across Europe's five major leagues since then—both on 18 goals. His last Champions League goal came in the 2024-25 season, when he scored twice against Madrid, though that match ended 5-2 to Real at the Bernabéu. After blanks against Inter and Como, Malen has not gone three consecutive matches without scoring since joining Roma. He provided an assist in Istanbul but is keen to return to goalscoring. Over 60,000 supporters at the Olimpico will be behind him as he looks to break his Champions League drought in the giallorossi shirt.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League test that will demand maturity, courage and disciplined organisation under Gasperini. Stopping Real's attacking sources, winning individual battles and pushing beyond normal limits will be essential in a fixture where details decide outcomes. Roma's control of midfield will hinge on a strong performance from Manu Koné. Alongside Marten de Roon, he must protect the centre and contain Jude Bellingham, who operates between the lines and provides Real's balance. Koné will need to be aggressive, clean up loose balls and support the offensive play. In attack, Roma lean on Donyell Malen's hunger to bounce back after the red card at Como and the 2024 final defeat. His battle will be against Konaté, who has become a cornerstone of Real's defence. If Malen can turn and attack depth, Real may struggle. On the flanks, Wesley must exploit his pace and explosive runs against Dumfries, though Mourinho could surprise by pushing Valverde in that role as he has done against Villarreal. Roma must bring everything: pace, concentration and a perfect night to write history.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

Fabio Capello has backed Roma ahead of their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, singling out their first-half performance in the Como match as the finest attacking display of the season. Speaking to *Gazzetta dello Sport*, Capello examined Roma's tactical prospects against Mourinho's side and the adjustments both teams may need to make. Capello noted that despite concerns about Svilar's absence, Pierluigi Gollini proved himself entirely capable in goal. He expects Roma to play aggressively but warned that Madrid's quality, pace and ability to punish defensive lapses—particularly when their midfield advances—represent the key threat. "Tactically Gasperini will play man-to-man, which can create problems, but maximum attention is needed because Madrid has the quality, speed and players to exploit every tiny mistake, especially when the midfield pushes forward. I think that's where the key to the match lies," Capello said. He added that Roma's attacking threat is genuinely dangerous: "It's also true that Mourinho's team leaves something defensively, and when Roma attack, they make very, very dangerous plays." Capello acknowledged that both Donyell Malen and an unnamed Madrid player were sent off in the previous weekend's matches and will be eager to make amends. He identified Paulo Dybala as a player capable of creating real difficulties for Madrid's defence, but cautioned him to watch for the pace of Madrid's left-back Cucurella. On Madrid's struggles this season, Capello noted the pressure of the Bernabéu environment: "I know Madrid's atmosphere. They have refined taste, and if they don't see quality football they turn their noses up. Especially when the game is at home it's very hard not to feel the pressure." He suggested Madrid's players show more courage away from home than at the Bernabéu. Capello identified Malen and Mbappé as the players most likely to decide the outcome, though he emphasised Dybala's potential to disrupt Madrid's back line if he remains alert.

José Mourinho returns to the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow as Real Madrid manager for the first time as an opponent, rekindling memories of his 987 days as Roma head coach. The Portuguese manager left an indelible mark on the club and the city during his tenure, becoming far more than a tactician to the fans and players who embraced him. His spell brought international glory, restored pride and ambition to the giallorossi, and attracted world-class players including Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku to wear the shirt with passion. Mourinho's Roma era delivered unforgettable moments and deep wounds in equal measure. On 25 May 2022 in Tirana, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy—Roma's first European silverware in 61 years—with Lorenzo Pellegrini raising the cup. That triumph was balanced against the pain of 31 May 2023 in Budapest, when Roma lost the Conference League final to Sevilla, a wound the manager shared with his people with dignity and strength. Through both triumph and heartbreak, Mourinho remained devoted to the club and its community, embodying the spirit of Roma legend Agostino Di Bartolomei and becoming inseparable from the city's identity. Today the Special One stands across from the club he transformed, commanding a formidable Real Madrid side in the Champions League, yet nothing can erase what he represented to Roma. According to the report, his legacy transcends rivalry: José Mourinho remains and will always be, in the hearts of Roma supporters, one of them.

Donyell Malen will face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening at the Olimpico seeking redemption on multiple fronts. The forward received a one-match ban for his red card against Como on Sunday and will miss the Serie A fixture against Genoa before returning for the crucial away trip to Napoli. Malen has unfinished business with Madrid, having lost the 2024 Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund. "It will be a special experience. Since I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we have succeeded and have the opportunity to enjoy the evening," he said. Malen has scored six Champions League goals in his career but has never found the net in Roma colours in Europe. He has been in remarkable form domestically since his arrival in January, with only Harry Kane and Raphinha scoring more goals across Europe's five major leagues since then—both on 18 goals. His last Champions League goal came in the 2024-25 season, when he scored twice against Madrid, though that match ended 5-2 to Real at the Bernabéu. After blanks against Inter and Como, Malen has not gone three consecutive matches without scoring since joining Roma. He provided an assist in Istanbul but is keen to return to goalscoring. Over 60,000 supporters at the Olimpico will be behind him as he looks to break his Champions League drought in the giallorossi shirt.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League test that will demand maturity, courage and disciplined organisation under Gasperini. Stopping Real's attacking sources, winning individual battles and pushing beyond normal limits will be essential in a fixture where details decide outcomes. Roma's control of midfield will hinge on a strong performance from Manu Koné. Alongside Marten de Roon, he must protect the centre and contain Jude Bellingham, who operates between the lines and provides Real's balance. Koné will need to be aggressive, clean up loose balls and support the offensive play. In attack, Roma lean on Donyell Malen's hunger to bounce back after the red card at Como and the 2024 final defeat. His battle will be against Konaté, who has become a cornerstone of Real's defence. If Malen can turn and attack depth, Real may struggle. On the flanks, Wesley must exploit his pace and explosive runs against Dumfries, though Mourinho could surprise by pushing Valverde in that role as he has done against Villarreal. Roma must bring everything: pace, concentration and a perfect night to write history.

José Mourinho returns to the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow as Real Madrid manager for the first time as an opponent, rekindling memories of his 987 days as Roma head coach. The Portuguese manager left an indelible mark on the club and the city during his tenure, becoming far more than a tactician to the fans and players who embraced him. His spell brought international glory, restored pride and ambition to the giallorossi, and attracted world-class players including Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku to wear the shirt with passion. Mourinho's Roma era delivered unforgettable moments and deep wounds in equal measure. On 25 May 2022 in Tirana, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy—Roma's first European silverware in 61 years—with Lorenzo Pellegrini raising the cup. That triumph was balanced against the pain of 31 May 2023 in Budapest, when Roma lost the Conference League final to Sevilla, a wound the manager shared with his people with dignity and strength. Through both triumph and heartbreak, Mourinho remained devoted to the club and its community, embodying the spirit of Roma legend Agostino Di Bartolomei and becoming inseparable from the city's identity. Today the Special One stands across from the club he transformed, commanding a formidable Real Madrid side in the Champions League, yet nothing can erase what he represented to Roma. According to the report, his legacy transcends rivalry: José Mourinho remains and will always be, in the hearts of Roma supporters, one of them.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight (21:00, Amazon Prime) in their first home Champions League fixture in seven years. Gasperini's side arrives in strong form and ready to test themselves against one of Europe's elite. The match carries added significance with José Mourinho returning to the stadium as Real Madrid's former manager. Roma come to the contest with confidence after recent performances. Gasperini said: "For us it is a good moment and we have the desire to measure ourselves against one of Europe's best teams. Real Madrid perhaps needs a bit of running-in having changed manager and style of play. Let's remember they beat Inter though. It will be a prestigious match that counts for a lot in the standings but we are ready." The squad will be practically unchanged from the draw at Como, with the only adjustment between Soulé and Pellegrini in midfield. Malen is available after serving a domestic ban, while Gasperini faces one defensive decision between Balerdi and Hermoso. Gasperini added: "We must not compare ourselves to Real Madrid as a club, but on the pitch we should measure ourselves as equals. We have played well against Inter and Como, which are the strongest teams in Italy; now we want to see how competitive we can be in Europe. More careful in defence? Of course I know the attacking value of Real Madrid, they often need little to create dangerous moves. But I really do not think Roma should lose its own characteristics." The manager emphasised that despite Real Madrid's offensive prowess, Roma must remain true to their playing identity.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."