Roma vs Real Madrid: team news, likely lineups and how to watch

Gian Piero Gasperini and José Mourinho will face each other tomorrow evening in a Roma-Real Madrid Champions League match at the Stadio Olimpico, and artist Harry Greb has created a mural at Roma Club Testaccio honouring both managers. The work, titled "I Mister (Roma chiamò)", depicts Mourinho's iconic Vespa on the left and the Special One in a Real Madrid tracksuit sitting on the Roma bench before being playfully ejected by Gasperini. The mural pays tribute to the recent history of Roma under two managers who each, in their own way, conquered the Roman supporters and restored hope to the giallorossi faithful. Gasperini has been Roma's head coach since 2025, while Mourinho managed the club during the 2024–25 season. Both left their mark on the Stadio Olimpico and the club's identity during their respective spells in charge.

Roma face Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League League Phase, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini using the pre-match press conference to frame the fixture as a barometer of his team's level. Gasperini said: "With Real we will understand our level, we must not lose our identity. We have the desire to measure ourselves against one of Europe's best teams." On José Mourinho, who managed Roma in 2024–25, Gasperini added: "He deserves the affection of the people. What would I steal from him? The ability to get his players taken from him." Donyell Malen addressed the media alongside Gasperini, saying: "From the moment I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we've managed it and we have the opportunity to enjoy a special evening." The Real Madrid contingent received a warm reception at the stadium, with Mourinho—a club legend from his time in Rome—telling the assembled press: "Roma, opponents but only for 90 minutes. I love the giallorosso people, they are special. It won't be normal." He joked with a Spanish journalist: "Watch out for the taxi drivers, some are Lazio fans." Tchouameni, speaking for Real Madrid, praised Roma's style: "I like very much how Roma play." Malen will miss the fixture through suspension.

Roma face Real Madrid in the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini expected to make few changes from the goalless draw against Como on Sunday. Defenders Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka are available for selection, and Matías Soulé is among the attacking options under consideration. Gasperini appears set to maintain the shape and personnel that produced the stalemate in Como as Roma step up their European campaign. The fixture will test the club's credentials at the highest level of continental competition this season.

DAZN's BordoCam coverage revealed multiple flashpoints from Sunday's match at San Siro between Como and Roma, from a mysterious exchange between the two coaches before kickoff to the controversial dismissal of Donyell Malen in the second half. Gasperini and Como manager Fabregas embraced before the match and spoke briefly, with Fabregas making a request of the Roma boss. "In a future," Fabregas said. "That's fine," Gasperini replied. The first half saw a heated duel between Jacobo Ramón and Gianluca Mancini after Paulo Dybala set up the Roma defender's overlap; Ramón responded with a forceful shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and excessive celebration. Later, a clash involving Manu Koné, Como's Perrone and Nico Paz saw Koné foul his opponent, prompting the midfielder to tell Paz in Spanish: "How is that a foul on me? Be quiet, calm down." After Marten de Roon's violent contact with Como's Butez—which the referee had already whistled for offside—Gasperini gave an ironic half-smile before turning to the bench and shouting "What is this?" The opening half's most explosive moment came from the Wesley–Diao contact. Fabregas erupted in protest; Diao was cautioned for dissent, and Como director Ludi and captain Da Cunha joined the complaints. Referee Fabbri explained in the tunnel: "It's an involuntary crossing of legs." He then told Ludi and Ramón: "He even tries not to take him." In the 53rd minute, Malen was sent off following a prolonged shirt-hold by Ramón that went undetected. Fabbri immediately showed red; Malen's disbelief was matched by Gasperini, who ran ironically along the bench. "He's ruined a match, you can't ruin a match like this, he got the ball first," Gasperini said. His assistant Gritti acknowledged: "If he whistles earlier, it's all over"—a view Malen conveyed to fourth official Sozza on his way off. Gasperini had Santiago Castro ready to replace Paulo Dybala after the expulsion, but Dybala performed well with his heading play and the substitution never came.

Roma face Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League League Phase, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini using the pre-match press conference to frame the fixture as a barometer of his team's level. Gasperini said: "With Real we will understand our level, we must not lose our identity. We have the desire to measure ourselves against one of Europe's best teams." On José Mourinho, who managed Roma in 2024–25, Gasperini added: "He deserves the affection of the people. What would I steal from him? The ability to get his players taken from him." Donyell Malen addressed the media alongside Gasperini, saying: "From the moment I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we've managed it and we have the opportunity to enjoy a special evening." The Real Madrid contingent received a warm reception at the stadium, with Mourinho—a club legend from his time in Rome—telling the assembled press: "Roma, opponents but only for 90 minutes. I love the giallorosso people, they are special. It won't be normal." He joked with a Spanish journalist: "Watch out for the taxi drivers, some are Lazio fans." Tchouameni, speaking for Real Madrid, praised Roma's style: "I like very much how Roma play." Malen will miss the fixture through suspension.

On the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini framed the fixture as a measuring stick for the club's competitiveness. "Difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. What we must take as a benchmark is what happens on the pitch, to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, among the best in Italy; now we find one of the best in Europe, and we can understand how competitive we can be," Gasperini said at his pre-match press conference from Trigoria. On José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "It is right that it is so; there was great affection for Mou. He deserves all the recognition the fans will give him. Then the match begins, and Roma's supporters will cheer for Roma." Mourinho himself addressed the media after arriving at the stadium, reflecting on his homecoming. "Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid, without doubt that during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will beat faster, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love," he said. He emphasised Roma's place in his career: "The interests of the club, the players and the fans are always ahead of mine. Many people recognise that. We won a European competition with Roma, reached another final and more besides. Roma fans are special people; I have been treated well at many clubs, but these people are special." Donyell Malen has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the away fixture at Como, meaning he will miss the next game against Genoa but will be available for the Napoli fixture. Referee Michael Fabbri sent Malen off for a challenge on Kaiki; the incident sparked debate over the referee's conduct and a possible prior foul on Malen himself. Malen posted an apology on social media to his teammates and the Roma fans, acknowledging his own recklessness. With Mile Svilar sidelined by injury, Pierluigi Gollini has taken over in goal. Devis Vásquez, the Colombian goalkeeper, has now been added to both the Serie A and Champions League squad lists to serve as back-up to Gollini during Svilar's absence. Gasperini had revealed after the Como match that Vásquez would be reintegrated into the league squad; his inclusion in the European list is a fresh addition.

On the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini framed the fixture as a measuring stick for the club's competitiveness. "Difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. What we must take as a benchmark is what happens on the pitch, to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, among the best in Italy; now we find one of the best in Europe, and we can understand how competitive we can be," Gasperini said at his pre-match press conference from Trigoria. On José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "It is right that it is so; there was great affection for Mou. He deserves all the recognition the fans will give him. Then the match begins, and Roma's supporters will cheer for Roma." Mourinho himself addressed the media after arriving at the stadium, reflecting on his homecoming. "Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid, without doubt that during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will beat faster, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love," he said. He emphasised Roma's place in his career: "The interests of the club, the players and the fans are always ahead of mine. Many people recognise that. We won a European competition with Roma, reached another final and more besides. Roma fans are special people; I have been treated well at many clubs, but these people are special." Donyell Malen has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the away fixture at Como, meaning he will miss the next game against Genoa but will be available for the Napoli fixture. Referee Michael Fabbri sent Malen off for a challenge on Kaiki; the incident sparked debate over the referee's conduct and a possible prior foul on Malen himself. Malen posted an apology on social media to his teammates and the Roma fans, acknowledging his own recklessness. With Mile Svilar sidelined by injury, Pierluigi Gollini has taken over in goal. Devis Vásquez, the Colombian goalkeeper, has now been added to both the Serie A and Champions League squad lists to serve as back-up to Gollini during Svilar's absence. Gasperini had revealed after the Como match that Vásquez would be reintegrated into the league squad; his inclusion in the European list is a fresh addition.

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.

AS Roma have registered Devis Vásquez in their Champions League squad to cover for Mile Svilar, who is sidelined with a fractured toe expected to keep him out for over a month. UEFA regulations permit clubs to temporarily replace a goalkeeper on their A-list when injury requires an absence of at least 30 days, and Roma have exercised this option to provide cover during Svilar's recovery. Vásquez was already back in the squad after Svilar's injury and was included in the squad for Roma's away trip to Como. His Champions League registration now means he will serve as the alternative to Pierluigi Gollini throughout the period when Svilar is unavailable. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will therefore have an additional goalkeeper option during what the club describes as a delicate Champions League cycle ahead. The arrangement is temporary: once Svilar recovers and returns to availability, he will replace Vásquez on the European list. The Colombian goalkeeper's reinstatement comes as Roma manage a crucial phase of their European campaign with full squad depth restored at the goalkeeper position.

On the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini framed the fixture as a measuring stick for the club's competitiveness. "Difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. What we must take as a benchmark is what happens on the pitch, to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, among the best in Italy; now we find one of the best in Europe, and we can understand how competitive we can be," Gasperini said at his pre-match press conference from Trigoria. On José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "It is right that it is so; there was great affection for Mou. He deserves all the recognition the fans will give him. Then the match begins, and Roma's supporters will cheer for Roma." Mourinho himself addressed the media after arriving at the stadium, reflecting on his homecoming. "Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid, without doubt that during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will beat faster, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love," he said. He emphasised Roma's place in his career: "The interests of the club, the players and the fans are always ahead of mine. Many people recognise that. We won a European competition with Roma, reached another final and more besides. Roma fans are special people; I have been treated well at many clubs, but these people are special." Donyell Malen has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the away fixture at Como, meaning he will miss the next game against Genoa but will be available for the Napoli fixture. Referee Michael Fabbri sent Malen off for a challenge on Kaiki; the incident sparked debate over the referee's conduct and a possible prior foul on Malen himself. Malen posted an apology on social media to his teammates and the Roma fans, acknowledging his own recklessness. With Mile Svilar sidelined by injury, Pierluigi Gollini has taken over in goal. Devis Vásquez, the Colombian goalkeeper, has now been added to both the Serie A and Champions League squad lists to serve as back-up to Gollini during Svilar's absence. Gasperini had revealed after the Como match that Vásquez would be reintegrated into the league squad; his inclusion in the European list is a fresh addition.

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."

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.