Mourinho tribute: street artist Drugi unveils new mural ahead of Roma–Real Madrid

Roma approach their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid in confident mood despite a goalless draw at Como and the early dismissal of Donyell Malen. Playing with numerical disadvantage, Gian Piero Gasperini's side demonstrated solidity and character, underlining the strength of their defence: they have conceded just three goals in six league matches, a figure among the best in Europe's top five divisions. Pierluigi Gollini, deputising for Mile Svilar, delivered a convincing performance. Evan N'Dicka proved reliable, while Gianluca Mancini provided edge. In midfield, Marten de Roon stood out, covering 11,657 kilometres — more than any other player on the pitch — and confirming his contribution in work rate and tactical intelligence. The block of former Atalanta players delivered strong responses.

A new mural by street artist Drugi has appeared in Rome ahead of José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico on Wednesday evening, when he will lead Real Madrid against Roma in the Champions League. The artwork marks a symbolic moment as the Special One prepares to face his former club for the first time since departing the Giallorossi. Mourinho's tenure at Roma culminated in the club winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in Tirana—a trophy drought ended after decades. The bond between Mourinho and Roma supporters remains evident despite the passage of time and his subsequent move away. Wednesday's fixture represents an unusual emotional undertone for Roma fans, who must balance affection for their former manager with the competitive demands of the match. Accompanying Drugi's mural is a caption that captures the sentiment of Roma's fanbase: "We held hands on the roof of Europe. For one night we will forget the love, but we will never forget who we were." The quote references both Mourinho's years at the club and the Conference League triumph in Tirana. For ninety minutes on Wednesday, however, Mourinho will be an opponent. The memory of what was built together cannot be set aside entirely, even as the two sides prepare to compete.

Real Madrid resumed training on 12 October at Valdebebas to prepare for their Champions League fixture against Roma on Wednesday at 21:00, but controversy continues to swirl over Vinicius Jr's red card and José Mourinho's refusal to attend a press conference following Saturday's 1–0 victory over Villarreal. Vinicius apologised to supporters and teammates on social media for his dismissal after pulling Saliba's hair, but then shared an Instagram story describing the refereeing system as a "mafia" and citing other instances where he felt unfairly sanctioned compared to other players. Television footage from Movistar shows the forward pushing a Liga official manning the pitchside VAR monitor—an action that could result in a suspension of two to three additional matches. The referee committee (Cta) is concerned by Real Madrid's hardline stance towards officials, fearing every match will become a trial of the match official. Tensions have escalated since Mourinho showed photographs after Real Madrid's clash with Atlético, and intensified further against Villarreal. Real Madrid TV amplified the dispute by labelling the incident a "disgrace" and referencing "Liga de Negreira" in the aftermath of Vinicius's expulsion. La Vanguardia notes that Mourinho's arrival has sharpened the confrontation. The Portuguese coach initially stated he trusted "Spanish referees, I believe in their honesty" but has since changed course, putting match officials in his sights. Mourinho will return for a press conference on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, a venue he knows well, before facing Sevilla on Saturday ahead of the Clásico.