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Pardo defends Mourinho ovation, hails Roma's display against Real Madrid
Match ReportOpinion
·16 October 2026·2h ago

Pardo defends Mourinho ovation, hails Roma's display against Real Madrid

Source: Roma News

Broadcaster Pardo has defended the standing ovation given to former manager José Mourinho at the Olimpico, dismissing criticism of the tribute as unfounded. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Pardo said he was not at the stadium but heard the roar from his nearby home. He argued that the recognition was entirely appropriate: "I find it absurd that there can be any controversy over the acknowledgement Mourinho received from the fans. He was an important figure. If the fans behave respectfully, they must be respected. Journalists should not decide who supports well and who doesn't."

Pardo emphasised that the ovation did not undermine Roma's performance on the pitch. The atmosphere at the ground was excellent and directly contributed to the team's quality display, he said. He highlighted a 80-minute spell in which Roma proved superior to Real Madrid, though he acknowledged the final ten minutes warrant review. Despite that closing period, Pardo believes the performance deserves to be viewed with pride by the squad rather than forgotten.

Pardo noted he was following the match from home while simultaneously watching Virtus Bologna play in Paris on a split screen. "The crowd supported the team, the atmosphere was beautiful, and it helped the squad to put on a tremendous performance," he said. He added that while the closing stages require analysis, "there are margins for improvement" and the overall display showcased what Roma is capable of delivering.

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Story Coverage6 sources on this story

Roma suffered a devastating 3–4 defeat against Real Madrid after surrendering a 3–1 lead in the closing ten minutes, conceding three goals from set plays as the match slipped away in catastrophic fashion. Donyell Malen scored twice and was the standout performer in what began as a dominant Roma display, but the collapse overshadowed his contribution entirely. The Dutch forward expressed his pain after the match, later writing "Always forward" on social media as he looked beyond the result.

Roma's defending proved vulnerable from corners in the closing stages, a weakness that ultimately cost them. Marten de Roon reflected on the performance with frustration, telling Prime Video: "I find it hard to comment on this match. It's a great shame. We played a great match and dominated Real Madrid for 80 minutes." He acknowledged that Real Madrid's quality emerged through substitutions but felt Roma had defended well until set pieces became a liability. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini similarly defended his tactical approach despite the outcome, insisting Roma had outclassed their opponents and that the introduction of fresh Real Madrid personnel had shifted the balance decisively. He noted injuries to Koné, who suffered a muscle strain, and Dybala, who picked up a muscle irritation.

Away from the pitch, broadcaster Pardo defended the standing ovation given to former manager José Mourinho at the Olimpico, arguing the recognition was entirely appropriate and did not undermine Roma's performance. De Rossi, preparing Genoa for Roma's visit, was notably impressed by Roma's display, describing them as "a truly frightening team" with good organisation and set-piece threat.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Intervenuto ai microfoni di Radio Romanista, Pardo ha commentato le discussioni nate dopo l’accoglienza riservata a Mourinho all’Olimpico: “Non ero allo stadio, ma abito talmente vicino che ho sentito il boato. Ho la fortuna e la responsabilità di raccontare il calcio in italia nel mondo. Trovo…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

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