Roma face Real Madrid at home in Champions League after seven years, with Mourinho returning to the Olimpico

Donyell Malen will face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening at the Olimpico seeking redemption on multiple fronts. The forward received a one-match ban for his red card against Como on Sunday and will miss the Serie A fixture against Genoa before returning for the crucial away trip to Napoli. Malen has unfinished business with Madrid, having lost the 2024 Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund. "It will be a special experience. Since I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we have succeeded and have the opportunity to enjoy the evening," he said. Malen has scored six Champions League goals in his career but has never found the net in Roma colours in Europe. He has been in remarkable form domestically since his arrival in January, with only Harry Kane and Raphinha scoring more goals across Europe's five major leagues since then—both on 18 goals. His last Champions League goal came in the 2024-25 season, when he scored twice against Madrid, though that match ended 5-2 to Real at the Bernabéu. After blanks against Inter and Como, Malen has not gone three consecutive matches without scoring since joining Roma. He provided an assist in Istanbul but is keen to return to goalscoring. Over 60,000 supporters at the Olimpico will be behind him as he looks to break his Champions League drought in the giallorossi shirt.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League test that will demand maturity, courage and disciplined organisation under Gasperini. Stopping Real's attacking sources, winning individual battles and pushing beyond normal limits will be essential in a fixture where details decide outcomes. Roma's control of midfield will hinge on a strong performance from Manu Koné. Alongside Marten de Roon, he must protect the centre and contain Jude Bellingham, who operates between the lines and provides Real's balance. Koné will need to be aggressive, clean up loose balls and support the offensive play. In attack, Roma lean on Donyell Malen's hunger to bounce back after the red card at Como and the 2024 final defeat. His battle will be against Konaté, who has become a cornerstone of Real's defence. If Malen can turn and attack depth, Real may struggle. On the flanks, Wesley must exploit his pace and explosive runs against Dumfries, though Mourinho could surprise by pushing Valverde in that role as he has done against Villarreal. Roma must bring everything: pace, concentration and a perfect night to write history.

Gasperini has few doubts over his starting line-up for Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack, with Matías Soulé returning to the first XI after his absence in Como, taking Pellegrini's place. Rodrigo Mora faces a fifth successive bench appearance. Leonardo Balerdi is competing with Evan N'Dicka for a centre-back spot, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso complete the back four in front of Pierluigi Gollini, who returns to Champions League football for the first time in five years — his last such appearance was also against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon and Manu Koné will operate in midfield. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are set for the flanks, though Devyne Rensch remains in contention. Wesley may play on the right side to contain Vinicius, a tactical approach Roma employed previously against Inter. Devis Vásquez has been reintegrated into the Champions League squad and will serve as Gollini's backup.

Gasperini has few doubts over his starting line-up for Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack, with Matías Soulé returning to the first XI after his absence in Como, taking Pellegrini's place. Rodrigo Mora faces a fifth successive bench appearance. Leonardo Balerdi is competing with Evan N'Dicka for a centre-back spot, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso complete the back four in front of Pierluigi Gollini, who returns to Champions League football for the first time in five years — his last such appearance was also against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon and Manu Koné will operate in midfield. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are set for the flanks, though Devyne Rensch remains in contention. Wesley may play on the right side to contain Vinicius, a tactical approach Roma employed previously against Inter. Devis Vásquez has been reintegrated into the Champions League squad and will serve as Gollini's backup.

José Mourinho returns to the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow as Real Madrid manager for the first time as an opponent, rekindling memories of his 987 days as Roma head coach. The Portuguese manager left an indelible mark on the club and the city during his tenure, becoming far more than a tactician to the fans and players who embraced him. His spell brought international glory, restored pride and ambition to the giallorossi, and attracted world-class players including Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku to wear the shirt with passion. Mourinho's Roma era delivered unforgettable moments and deep wounds in equal measure. On 25 May 2022 in Tirana, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy—Roma's first European silverware in 61 years—with Lorenzo Pellegrini raising the cup. That triumph was balanced against the pain of 31 May 2023 in Budapest, when Roma lost the Conference League final to Sevilla, a wound the manager shared with his people with dignity and strength. Through both triumph and heartbreak, Mourinho remained devoted to the club and its community, embodying the spirit of Roma legend Agostino Di Bartolomei and becoming inseparable from the city's identity. Today the Special One stands across from the club he transformed, commanding a formidable Real Madrid side in the Champions League, yet nothing can erase what he represented to Roma. According to the report, his legacy transcends rivalry: José Mourinho remains and will always be, in the hearts of Roma supporters, one of them.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Donyell Malen will face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening at the Olimpico seeking redemption on multiple fronts. The forward received a one-match ban for his red card against Como on Sunday and will miss the Serie A fixture against Genoa before returning for the crucial away trip to Napoli. Malen has unfinished business with Madrid, having lost the 2024 Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund. "It will be a special experience. Since I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we have succeeded and have the opportunity to enjoy the evening," he said. Malen has scored six Champions League goals in his career but has never found the net in Roma colours in Europe. He has been in remarkable form domestically since his arrival in January, with only Harry Kane and Raphinha scoring more goals across Europe's five major leagues since then—both on 18 goals. His last Champions League goal came in the 2024-25 season, when he scored twice against Madrid, though that match ended 5-2 to Real at the Bernabéu. After blanks against Inter and Como, Malen has not gone three consecutive matches without scoring since joining Roma. He provided an assist in Istanbul but is keen to return to goalscoring. Over 60,000 supporters at the Olimpico will be behind him as he looks to break his Champions League drought in the giallorossi shirt.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League test that will demand maturity, courage and disciplined organisation under Gasperini. Stopping Real's attacking sources, winning individual battles and pushing beyond normal limits will be essential in a fixture where details decide outcomes. Roma's control of midfield will hinge on a strong performance from Manu Koné. Alongside Marten de Roon, he must protect the centre and contain Jude Bellingham, who operates between the lines and provides Real's balance. Koné will need to be aggressive, clean up loose balls and support the offensive play. In attack, Roma lean on Donyell Malen's hunger to bounce back after the red card at Como and the 2024 final defeat. His battle will be against Konaté, who has become a cornerstone of Real's defence. If Malen can turn and attack depth, Real may struggle. On the flanks, Wesley must exploit his pace and explosive runs against Dumfries, though Mourinho could surprise by pushing Valverde in that role as he has done against Villarreal. Roma must bring everything: pace, concentration and a perfect night to write history.

Gasperini has few doubts over his starting line-up for Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack, with Matías Soulé returning to the first XI after his absence in Como, taking Pellegrini's place. Rodrigo Mora faces a fifth successive bench appearance. Leonardo Balerdi is competing with Evan N'Dicka for a centre-back spot, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso complete the back four in front of Pierluigi Gollini, who returns to Champions League football for the first time in five years — his last such appearance was also against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon and Manu Koné will operate in midfield. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are set for the flanks, though Devyne Rensch remains in contention. Wesley may play on the right side to contain Vinicius, a tactical approach Roma employed previously against Inter. Devis Vásquez has been reintegrated into the Champions League squad and will serve as Gollini's backup.

Gasperini has few doubts over his starting line-up for Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack, with Matías Soulé returning to the first XI after his absence in Como, taking Pellegrini's place. Rodrigo Mora faces a fifth successive bench appearance. Leonardo Balerdi is competing with Evan N'Dicka for a centre-back spot, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso complete the back four in front of Pierluigi Gollini, who returns to Champions League football for the first time in five years — his last such appearance was also against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon and Manu Koné will operate in midfield. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are set for the flanks, though Devyne Rensch remains in contention. Wesley may play on the right side to contain Vinicius, a tactical approach Roma employed previously against Inter. Devis Vásquez has been reintegrated into the Champions League squad and will serve as Gollini's backup.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League League Phase. The fixture marks the return to Rome of José Mourinho, now managing Real Madrid. Roma drew 1–1 away at Fenerbahçe in their opening European match and arrive on the back of a goalless draw against Como in Serie A, played for much of it with 10 men after Donyell Malen's red card. Real Madrid beat Inter 2–1 at home in their Champions League debut and won 1–0 at Villarreal in La Liga. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad is without Mile Svilar, sidelined by a foot problem that will keep him out for several weeks. Pierluigi Gollini will continue in goal after a solid performance against Como, with Devis Vásquez added to the Champions League squad list. Bryan Cristante is also unavailable; Gasperini explained in his press conference that "the midfielder will need more time because of the knee problem". Konstantinos Koulierakis has returned to full training with the squad after his injury and trained with the players who did not start against Como, though it remains uncertain whether he will be used. In defence, competition is open among Balerdi, Mancini and Hermoso, with Evan N'Dicka the most secure of his place. Balerdi is pushing for a starting role following recent strong displays. Gasperini may select the trio Mancini–N'Dicka–Hermoso or field Balerdi from the start. Wesley is certain on one flank, while on the opposite side Nahuel Molina has a slight edge over Devyne Rensch and Emanuele Lulli. Marten de Roon is expected to partner Manu Koné in midfield in Cristante's absence. Paulo Dybala and Malen are both expected to start, with Malen eligible to play in the competition despite his Serie A suspension. Matías Soulé is slightly favoured over Rodrigo Mora to complete the front line. Roma are expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 with Dybala and Soulé behind Malen. Real Madrid travel with a rich squad but several absences: Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio have not been called up due to injury. Those who departed for Rome include Rüdiger, Huijsen, Konaté, Alexander-Arnold, Dumfries, Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé. Andriy Lunin will start in goal. Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries are competing for the right-back role, with Konaté and Huijsen slight favourites at centre-back alongside Rüdiger as an alternative. Cucurella is expected to start at left-back. Valverde and Tchouaméni form the midfield base with Jude Bellingham higher up; Arda Güler is favoured on the right wing, Vinicius starts on the left and Kylian Mbappé leads the line after scoring in the Inter match. Referee François Letexier of France will oversee the match, with Dennis Higler of the Netherlands as VAR. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage beginning at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. The commentary is provided by Sandro Piccinini with analysis by Massimo Ambrosini. Betting odds favour Real Madrid, with Roma victory quoted at 3.60–3.80, a draw between 3.75–4.10, and a Real Madrid win at 1.83–1.85. Over 1.5 goals is priced around 1.40–1.50, reflecting both teams' attacking potential. An away win of 1–2 for Real Madrid is quoted at 8.50–9.00 and is regarded as the most likely scoreline by several pre-match analyses.

Rome radio stations hosted a panel of former players and commentators to preview Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Francesco Balzani (Teleradiostereo) expressed confidence in Roma's approach: "For me Roma will not have ugly performances, this year I have never had that feeling, while last year there were moments of it. But you must face it with the serenity of knowing you face one of the top 3 strongest teams in the world. I trust Roma but you must face these matches with the serenity of knowing the opponent is stronger, so it must not become a drama if it goes badly. Roma must play as against Inter, because it's the only way they know how to play and it's a beautiful way that makes the big teams uncomfortable." Balzani predicted Matías Soulé would start in place of the previous Sunday's line-up and advocated for Leonardo Balerdi in defence "to ensure more speed in recovery". He noted that Roma's first home Champions League match in a long time against Real Madrid, combined with José Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico, would affect the supporters and environment but not the players. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) analysed the squad selection and opposition threat: "I certainly expect Malen on the pitch alongside Dybala and Soulé. The match suited for Castro will be the one with Genoa. Roma needs Mora. De Roon is in condition to play two or three matches in a row. Real Madrid has individuals who are of another category but lacks stability. I don't expect many goals." Piero Torri (Radio Manà Manà) suggested Gasperini would emphasise that Roma will not play the sacrificial victim, noting their opponents' devastating counter-attacking threat. Simone Valdarchi added that organised supporters were preparing a tribute to Mourinho, whose stay in Roma was extended after last season's loss to Seville convinced him to remain.