José Mourinho returned to the Stadio Olimpico as an opponent for the first time since managing Roma, leading Real Madrid against the Giallorossi on 14 October. Roma supporters welcomed him warmly with banners and chants throughout the match, acknowledging the bond forged during his tenure at the club from 2021 to 2024, when he won the UEFA Europa Conference League. Real Madrid won 4–3 in a dramatic encounter after Roma led 3–1 with around eighty minutes played. After the final whistle, Mourinho greeted three Roma players—Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala—near the team coaches outside the stadium.
In the aftermath, Mourinho posted an Instagram message expressing his gratitude to the Roma faithful. He wrote: "When the most beautiful moments of a long career are not goals or victories, but rather emotions for which I can only humbly express my gratitude. Thank you Roma, thank you Romanisti. Emotions and eternal gratitude to you." The outlets agree this message underscored the enduring emotional bond between the Portuguese manager and Roma's supporters.
However, the evening's reception was not uniformly positive. Forza Roma and GialloRossi.net report that Mourinho's celebration of Rüdiger's decisive goal, combined with subsequent remarks, alienated a section of the fanbase, with some supporters questioning his loyalty. Yet GialloRossi.net notes he exercised restraint in his celebrations, acknowledging the weight of his return. Mourinho praised Roma's Brazilian forward Wesley to TNT Sports following the match, describing him as impressively strong.
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