# Roma 3-4 Real Madrid: A Night of Dominance Undone
Roma produced a performance that dominated Real Madrid for over 80 minutes but ultimately collapsed in a devastating 3-4 defeat at the Olimpico on 14 October. The result proved far more painful because of what preceded it. The Giallorossi played with exceptional quality, aggression and control throughout the first hour, leaving Real Madrid second best for long stretches. Yet a combination of defensive lapses—particularly from set pieces—and the introduction of fresh Madrid players shifted the entire complexion of the match. Marten de Roon, reflecting on the loss, captured the anguish: "I find it hard to comment on this match. It's a great shame, this is a heavy result. We played a great match and dominated Real Madrid for 80 minutes." He identified corners as Roma's vulnerability: "We defended well except for corners. We were too static, too still."
The collapse was so sudden and severe that it left both Roma's manager and players struggling to process what had occurred. Gian Piero Gasperini defended his tactical approach, saying that for "70 minutes we played a great match, then their quality came out with fresh players who changed the game." The Madrid substitutions proved decisive, turning what had been a contest entirely in Roma's favour into a rout. Gasperini rejected suggestions Roma had run out of steam, countering that Madrid's early substitutions—particularly defensive reinforcements—were what altered the dynamic. Donyell Malen, visibly disappointed, acknowledged the team's quality but emphasized the need for internal analysis: "There is great disappointment, because we hoped to go forward, but they managed to score. We are a great squad, however there are things that did not go well, we need to talk about them."
José Mourinho, managing Real Madrid and returning to the Olimpico for the first time since his departure from Roma in January 2024, singled out Wesley for praise after the match. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Portuguese manager noted: "I knew already that he was strong, but seeing him up close was the first time." Wesley's performance stood out amid Roma's overall dominance, though ultimately his quality proved insufficient to prevent the collapse. The night, which had promised so much for Roma as they welcomed a marquee Champions League occasion back to the stadium after seven years away, ended in heartbreak—a demonstration of their emerging strength undermined by a late-match inability to manage the game's final moments.
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