Mourinho returns to the Olimpico as Real Madrid face Roma in Champions League

Roma's match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico tomorrow will hold particular significance for José Mourinho, who received a warm reception from Giallorossi supporters outside the Blancos' hotel in the capital. The fixture carries emotional weight for the former Roma manager, who is being welcomed with affection by the club's fanbase despite now leading the visiting side. Gasperini commented on the occasion: "With Real we will understand our level, we must not change who we are. Mou deserves the affection of the people." The coach framed the Champions League encounter as a benchmark for Roma's standing among Europe's elite. Donyell Malen was suspended for one match—siting out the fixture against Genoa—following a disciplinary decision by the Giudice Sportivo.

A contact between Wesley and Diao during the Como-Roma match sparked debate, but referee Fabbri ruled no foul had occurred. Serie A published Ref Cam footage from the fixture on their Instagram profile, showing the official's explanation of the incident. In the video, Fabbri addresses the contact between Diao and Wesley, stating: "He does everything to avoid taking him, at most their legs touch. He also jumps." The footage provides insight into the reasoning behind the on-field decision that allowed play to continue without penalty.

José Mourinho will return to the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October at 21:00 as Real Madrid manager to face Roma in a Champions League fixture. The Portuguese coach, who managed Roma between 2021 and 2024, will be in the opposing dugout against Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Mourinho presented the match at a press conference held at the Olimpico, acknowledging the significance of the encounter and reflecting on his previous experience with the club and its supporters. Mourinho praised Roma's strength and readiness for the occasion. He stated: "Roma is a strong team motivated by playing a match at the Olimpico. They have a public that does not come to watch, but comes to play. We must play well to earn points. The opponent is important; it is not yet the moment of Champions League pressure, of do-or-die, we have many matches to play, but we put the pressure on ourselves." He positioned both Roma and Inter as the two strongest sides in the league and suggested that both Roma and Real Madrid will qualify for the next phase of the competition. Mourinho also expressed his emotional readiness, saying: "Inter and Roma at this moment are the best in the league. Without doubt they are the two strongest teams. Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid. Without doubt during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will race, but during the match there is no room for doubt. Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love." When asked about his relationship with Real Madrid, Mourinho laughed off suggestions that their initial period together had ended, stating: "And is this a honeymoon?!" He addressed questions about refereeing in European competition, saying: "I trust all referees. The only thing that makes me raise an eyebrow is when you know the referee's name a day before or three weeks before." On the topic of a recent Villarreal match, Mourinho declined to comment in detail, saying: "Look at just one minute of the Villarreal match; for those who know, the first minute is enough." He also explained a tactical decision regarding Valverde: "On the bench we have many offensive solutions. I felt the need to change the right-back. I did not want to waste a substitution and thought that Valverde in that moment could make the difference. Valverde as a right-back is a specific situation." The Champions League league phase continues with Roma seeking points in their campaign to reach the knockout stages.