Mourinho returns to the Olimpico as Real Madrid complete stunning 4-3 comeback without celebration

Roma's defence collapsed catastrophically in the closing stages as Real Madrid stormed back from 3–1 down to win 4–3 at the Olimpico, despite Gian Piero Gasperini's side controlling the match for over 80 minutes. Donyell Malen scored twice to put Roma in command, but three goals conceded from set pieces in quick succession — all in the final eight minutes — undid a commanding performance. Gasperini deployed man-marking throughout, with Matías Soulé assigned to Cucurella, Manu Koné on Valverde, Marten de Roon on Tchouaméni, Wesley on Vinícius, Nahuel Molina on Dumfries, Evan N'Dicka on Mbappé, Gianluca Mancini on Bellingham and Mario Hermoso on Diomande. Roma took the lead in the 20th minute when De Roon finished after Paulo Dybala won possession, with Malen and Niccolò Pisilli building the move; the shot was deflected by Konaté past Courtois. Mbappé equalized but Roma pushed on. In the second half, Malen struck twice more — both goals confirmed by VAR — to extend Roma's lead to 3–1 and send the Olimpico into raptures. Yet fatigue and the quality of Real's substitutes proved decisive. José Mourinho introduced Endrick, Arda Guler and fresh reinforcements from the bench. Espí made it 3–2 at the 82nd minute, Endrick equalized two minutes later, and Rüdiger completed the turnaround at the 90th minute. The performance remained immense and proved Roma can compete at the highest level, but three goals from set plays in rapid succession delivered a cruel ending to a night of dominance.

Wesley has revealed how Gasperini asked him to mark Vinicius in Roma's recent match against Real Madrid, describing the specific tactical instruction and the confidence the coach showed in him. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Brazilian defender explained that he expected Nahuel Molina to take the assignment on the left, noting that Molina has faced Vinicius many times before and shares a natural competitive edge with him as an Argentine against a Brazilian. However, Gasperini chose Wesley for the role, telling him: "I'm going to put you on Vini, I trust you." Wesley accepted the challenge, saying: "I thought, 'Let's go, let's see what happens'." Wesley was satisfied with his individual performance despite Roma's 3–4 defeat. He acknowledged that the result left a bitter taste, stating: "I was prepared and I liked my match. I still need to improve many things, but I'm happy with my individual performance. For the loss, though, I'm not satisfied, because we deserved to win." He also outlined Roma's tactical approach: the team attacked more heavily on the right because Gasperini knew that Real Madrid's left flank required a defender of Wesley's profile. On the specific duel with Vinicius, Wesley reflected: "Fortunately I managed to stop Vini. At one point I thought, 'Today it's me here, go to the other side and let's see what you can do there'." The arrival of Endrick as a substitute changed the dynamic, however. Wesley said: "He came on and got an assist and a goal. Total respect for him—that guy is brilliant and I'm a fan of his. But today I wasn't rooting for him."

José Mourinho praised Wesley after Real Madrid's match against Roma, saying he was struck by the Brazilian's quality up close. "I knew he was strong already, but seeing him in person was the first time," Mourinho told TNT Sports. The Portuguese manager, overseeing a squad filled with talent from Mbappé to Diomandé, noted that Real Madrid's eleven is formidable and capable of turning matches around within five minutes, even from two goals down—as they demonstrated against Roma. However, Wesley remains focused on Roma. Mourinho will have to be content watching him from a distance for now.