Roma face Real Madrid as Mourinho returns to the Olimpico

José Mourinho spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, reflecting on his return to the Stadio Olimpico as an opposing coach. Mourinho said he would prefer to arrive as an adversary, with Roma fans supporting their own team and him supporting Real Madrid during the 90 minutes, but acknowledged there is no animosity between them. "If before the match the people want to give me a special greeting, I would also like to greet the Roma fans," he said. Mourinho noted there was no farewell when he left Roma, describing it as part of football's nature. "What can we do? It's football, this is an opportunity to feel the love of the people. I'll try to control myself, but maybe I won't be able to. In the end, in those ninety minutes, everyone wants to win," he added. When asked if he envies Gasperini's transfer market activity, Mourinho replied: "No, I don't envy anyone. I respect. An important coach in Italian football who does important work." On Roma's tactical approach, Mourinho said: "We are prepared for the basic principles with which Roma have played all their matches. They can also do something different. They know that those in white shirts are not an easy team; we are also prepared to be able to react to something different." Regarding Real Madrid's Vinícius, Mourinho reflected: "When I said the other day, I don't know if you heard, that it hurt my heart to see him in this situation, it's because every day he is a happy boy who works hard but hasn't found the joy of being decisive."

Roma will host Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday in their first UEFA Champions League fixture at the ground in over six years. Gian Piero Gasperini has led the Giallorossi back to Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2018–19, but their league-phase campaign has stuttered. After a dramatic 1–1 draw with Fenerbahce on matchday one, Roma extended their winless run in European football to four matches (three draws, one loss). They beat Torino 2–0 in Serie A but have since drawn back-to-back league games against Como and Inter, though they notably held a scoreless stalemate at Como on Saturday despite playing with a numerical disadvantage. The Olimpico has not hosted a Champions League match since February 2019, and Roma will need to reverse a troubling home record in continental competition—five defeats across their last five European outings in Rome (two wins overall). However, Gasperini's side remain unbeaten across their last eight competitive games at the stadium (six wins, two draws) stretching back to late March, and have scored at least two goals in their last five home matches. Roma have won only three of their 14 meetings with Real Madrid (one draw, eight losses) and will seek to avenge a 2–0 defeat here in November 2018. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho—who won the UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2021–22—have dominated Italian opposition in the Champions League, winning 19 of their last 21 clashes against Serie A sides (two losses). They opened their league-phase campaign with a 2–1 win over Inter and have lost only one match in the Champions League main draw under Mourinho (15 wins, three draws), though their recent away form has been inconsistent: four losses in their last eight Champions League away games (four wins). Los Blancos have beaten Roma in five of their six away European showdowns at the Olimpico in the 21st century (one loss), scoring at least two goals in each victory. Summer signing Yan Diomande scored his maiden La Liga goal in a 1–0 win over Villarreal, a response to a 2–1 derby defeat at Atlético Madrid on the international break. Gasperini will have his full Roma squad available except goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who is struggling with a toe injury; Pierluigi Gollini is expected to start in his place. Donyell Malen is expected to lead the line despite picking up a red card against Como at the weekend. Real Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio. Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen returns after serving a domestic suspension but should start on the bench, with Ibrahima Konate likely to partner Antonio Rudiger in defence.

Zibi Boniek has predicted Roma will defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League match on 14 October. Speaking to ReteSport, he described the fixture as a special occasion given José Mourinho's role as opponent, and said Roma possess the weapons to trouble the Spanish club despite facing a well-organised side. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico will help Roma," Boniek said. "The players instead of stopping will go 30 metres further. Malen and Dybala, who are in excellent form, are important weapons. The giallorossi team is very well organised and proved that at Como with a player fewer. It won't be easy against Real but you can try." Boniek assessed Roma's title prospects as dependent on Inter slipping. "Roma must be ready if Inter should drop off, but I don't believe that will happen because they have a strong and complete squad," he said. "Inter can only lose the title; they are superior to all the others." He offered praise for Lazio's current league position given their pre-season expectations but ruled out their chances of winning the Scudetto, predicting they will have a good campaign without becoming champions. On Dybala's form, Boniek noted: "I see him grown on the mental and physical level; I hope it lasts because Roma needs it. The Argentine is fundamental in the development of the team's attacking play. He has the capacity to create many goal-scoring chances." Boniek's final prediction: "Gasperini's team wins 2-1."