Roma face Real Madrid in Champions League as Mourinho returns to Olimpico

Amantino Mancini, who Roma discovered at Atlético Mineiro and brought to Italy, will watch tomorrow evening's Roma–Real Madrid match with particular interest. Roma beat Real Madrid in the 2007–08 Champions League round of 16, with Mancini himself scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory at the Olimpico on 19 February 2008. "That was a Roma team that played beautiful football," Mancini said. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico that day was wonderful, the kind you only experience in the Champions League. An unforgettable match. And scoring under the Curva Sud in that way, against Real Madrid, was a dream. A beautiful moment, on a unique stage." Mancini also played under José Mourinho at Inter Milan, winning the Serie A title in the first season before a difficult second campaign. He holds Mourinho in high regard: "I have an excellent memory of Mourinho—he is a great coach." Looking ahead to tomorrow's fixture, Mancini expressed hope that Roma can deliver a strong performance. "It will be a fine match, with the Olimpico packed to the rafters pushing us on," he said. "I hope Roma can put in a brilliant display, perhaps winning. That would be a key victory for the Champions League." Mancini also addressed Roma's broader prospects this season. "Roma can certainly give Inter trouble in the title race," he said. "They have started well, begun the campaign with consistency in results and performances, which is important for anyone wanting to win. Inter should be warned."

Donyell Malen will face Real Madrid on 14 October looking to bounce back from his red card in Roma's draw with Como and settle an old score with the Spanish club. Malen was sent off during the match, which Gasperini described as having been "spoiled" by the incident, but the forward now has the chance to prove himself against an opponent he has faced twice before. On 1 June 2024, Malen lost the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid at Wembley, the score 2–0. On 22 October that year, the two clubs met again in the group stage at the Bernabéu, where Malen scored a goal and provided an assist for Gittens to put Dortmund 2–0 ahead. Real Madrid staged a comeback to win 5–2, with Vinícius scoring a hat-trick and Rüdiger and Lucas Vázquez also on the scoresheet. At Roma, Malen has evolved from the attacking utility player he was at Dortmund or Aston Villa into a central striker and the team's Serie A focal point. His absence in the final half-hour against Como was felt acutely, though Gasperini's side held firm for a 0–0 draw. Controversy surrounded the red card: Gasperini believed a foul committed on Malen before the contact that drew the dismissal should have negated the decision, while former referee Rocchi argued that the prior infringement would not have cancelled referee Fabbri's call. Roma arrive at the Olimpico in excellent form, while Real Madrid under Mourinho face mounting pressure from the Spanish media. Malen will face the Sporting Judge's ruling on 13 October before the match. This will be his first encounter with Real Madrid at home, and only his third meeting with the Blancos overall—a contest on a full Olimpico with greater self-belief than in his previous defeats.

Amantino Mancini, who scored for Roma against Real Madrid in the 2008 Champions League knockout stage and later won the treble with Inter under José Mourinho, gave an exclusive interview ahead of Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. The Brazilian doubled as a link to both sides' histories, recalling the atmosphere and significance of Roma's victory on 19 February 2008 at the Olimpico. "That was a Roma that played beautiful football," Mancini said. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico that day was wonderful, the kind you only experience in the Champions League. An unforgettable match. And to score under the Curva Sud that way, against Real Madrid, was a dream. A beautiful moment on a unique stage." Mancini assessed the tactical battle between Gasperini and Mourinho, deflecting criticism of the Real Madrid manager's age. "He is a coach who has won a large number of trophies in his career. Maybe those who say these things are a bit envious," Mancini said. He backed Roma's chances if they brought intensity and physicality: "Roma will need to be intense, with a lot of physicality. If they can achieve that, they can also win. Gasperini's style of play can put the Spanish side in crisis. The Roma coach, besides, already did well against many big European teams when he was at Atalanta." On the match itself, Mancini predicted "a nice match, with the Olimpico packed and pushing. I hope Roma can play a fantastic game, maybe winning—that would be a key victory for the Champions League." He also addressed Wesley's form, noting: "Wesley arrived in Rome when nobody knew him and he did very well. This year he was affected a bit by injury, a bit by the fact that now everyone knows him. For him it will be harder now, but he is still young and can improve. He has interesting characteristics, but Maicon and Cafu were another thing. Those two were monsters, with a lot of strength and quality." Mancini added his assessment of Roma's broader title credentials: "Certainly. It started well, began the season with continuity of results and performances, which is an important aspect for anyone wanting to win. Inter is warned."

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.

Roma drew 0–0 away at Como, salvaging an important point from a difficult visit to the Sinigaglia stadium despite significant adversity. Mile Svilar's absence through injury forced a reshuffle in goal, and the team played for an entire half with a numerical disadvantage after Donyell Malen's expulsion. The result highlighted Roma's resolve under pressure as they kept a clean sheet in testing circumstances.

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

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.

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

Davide Moscardelli, a former Chievo Verona and Bologna player and Roma supporter, analysed yesterday's match against Como on Radio Bruno (101.5), defending the side's goalless draw while questioning some of Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical decisions. Moscardelli backed the point secured, saying: "We take home this result, although I would add with a touch of regret. It is certainly a further step forward in the process Roma began last year and is carrying forward very well. It is a shame, because the match had been prepared and approached well. The first 0–0 of the season arrived between two teams from which perhaps we would not have expected it. But it was a good match. Naturally, Malen's expulsion changed the balance." He highlighted Roma's defensive control in the second half as a particular strength, noting: "Roma succeeded in playing a large part of the second half suffering together, without however conceding many truly dangerous chances. Apart from Perrone's chance, comparable in importance to the one that fell to Dybala, the rest of the match was managed quite well." On Paulo Dybala's performance, Moscardelli acknowledged the midfielder's wider role but noted concern at his lack of goals. "He has done exceptional work, including in defensive transitions and helping the squad. However, it is certainly not what we normally ask him or would like to ask him." He expressed surprise at Santiago Castro not entering the pitch, saying Castro as "a fresh player, a fighter" could have eased Como's pressure, though he accepted Gasperini's judgment. On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and midfielder Marten de Roon, Moscardelli was complimentary: "Gollini and De Roon were among the best on the pitch. They were called to give a positive response and they gave it. Confidence must be given to them. Everyone will be needed, especially in this month, with many matches concentrated in less than thirty days." Moscardelli also discussed Donyell Malen's red card, saying the forward arrived "with great force, with much impetuousness" but that the contact with the ball was clear. He suggested the referee had focused on the intensity of the challenge rather than intent to injure. On the broader Champions League campaign ahead, Moscardelli urged the squad to enjoy the moment, particularly Gollini: "Finding himself playing in the Champions League against Real Madrid when perhaps, a short time ago, you were used to playing much less, is something special. For him it will certainly be a source of pride and also a reward for all the work carried out."