Roma vs Real Madrid: TV coverage, kickoff time, likely line-ups and Champions League table

Manu Koné was forced off after just 15 minutes of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on 14 October with a muscular problem. The French midfielder realised immediately he could not continue and covered his face with his shirt to hide tears as he left the pitch, an image that sparked immediate concern about the severity of the injury. Gian Piero Gasperini brought Niccolò Pisilli on as his replacement. The timing of the injury compounds Roma's midfield troubles. Bryan Cristante is also unavailable, leaving Gasperini with severely limited options in the middle of the park at a moment when the squad faces a packed schedule combining Serie A and Champions League fixtures. The early loss of Koné represents a particularly heavy blow given the already stretched rotation options available to the head coach. The extent of the damage remains to be clarified by medical tests in the coming hours, though Koné's emotional reaction suggests the possibility of a lengthy absence. Only examination will determine the nature of the problem and establish potential recovery timescales.

Francesco Totti returned to the Stadio Olimpico to watch Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, entering the ground through back routes to support the team on a night laden with significance. The former Roma captain was among numerous high-profile figures in the Monte Mario stand for what marked the club's return to European football's elite competition. The occasion also saw the return of José Mourinho to face his former club. Totti's presence underscored the weight of the fixture. Alongside the ex-captain, the stands held musician Antonello Venditti, Rosella Sensi, Ciccio Graziani and Diego Perotti — all figures steeped in Roma's history. The attendance also included technical director Rafa Benítez, CONI president Giovanni Malagò, Di Biagio, Galliani, Matri, Cerci and actor Luca Zingaretti.

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho discussed his side's preparations for their Champions League clash against Roma, the second matchday of the competition. Mourinho outlined his tactical approach to Roma's pressing game, saying his intention is to prevent Roma pressing so high, adding caution given the players he has. "They press man-to-man like no one else, and we will see if we can take advantage of this. And if we cannot manage it, we hope they drop the pressure by five or ten metres." Mourinho reflected on Roma's strength in defensive organisation, praising how Rüdiger and Konaté performed together in their last match. He acknowledged the psychological edge Roma hold as the home side. "They played very well in their last match together, with great ability to lead and resist in a difficult situation, with thirty minutes playing with fewer men. I don't want to say Dean doesn't have the capacity to play such a match, but it's a beautiful atmosphere for Roma and a heavy one for us, and I think a man with Antonio's experience can be important."

Mile Svilar continues his recovery from a right ankle injury ahead of Roma's Champions League clash against Real Madrid in the competition's second matchday. The goalkeeper, sidelined for the fixture, shared video footage on social media showing him training in the gym while wearing an ankle brace. Svilar is currently in Belgium pursuing his rehabilitation programme. Gasperini will be without the Serbian goalkeeper for the Real Madrid match as Svilar remains unavailable. The goalkeeper's commitment to recovery is evident despite his injury setback, training without pause as the Stadio Olimpico prepares for the European fixture.

Roma drew 1–1 with Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026 in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League League Phase. Marten de Roon gave the Giallorossi the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, but Kylian Mbappé equalised five minutes later, capitalising on an error by Mario Hermoso before a deflection off Gianluca Mancini beat goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. Roma began their European campaign with a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe, while Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, arrived in Rome having beaten Inter 2–1 at the Bernabéu. The return of Mourinho to the Stadio Olimpico as an opposing manager for the first time since his spell on Roma's bench added extra intrigue to the fixture. Gasperini's side dominated the opening exchanges and created several clear chances before De Roon's breakthrough. Donyell Malen had a close-range effort saved by Courtois in the 24th minute, and Paulo Dybala saw a sliding finish from inside the area pass narrowly wide in the 11th minute after combining with Nahuel Molina. Hermoso had an angled effort from the edge of the box turned away by Courtois early on. Real Madrid posed a growing threat as the first half progressed, with Jude Bellingham firing wide in the closing moments. Roma suffered an injury blow when Manu Koné sustained a muscular problem after just 15 minutes and was replaced by Niccolò Pisilli. The interval arrived with the match finely balanced at 1–1 after a competitive opening 45 minutes. Roma's lineup confirmed Pierluigi Gollini in goal with Mile Svilar unavailable through injury. Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the defensive line, while Nahuel Molina was chosen over Devyne Rensch at right-back. Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon operated in midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala providing support to Donyell Malen in attack. Real Madrid fielded Thibaut Courtois in goal with a back four of Matthijs Dumfries, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger, plus Juan Cucurella. François Letexier of France took charge as match referee, with Dennis Higler overseeing VAR duties. The article's coverage extends through the opening 45 minutes with play continuing into the second half. No information is provided about further developments, upcoming fixtures, or post-match statements.

Mile Svilar is continuing his rehabilitation in Belgium as he works to return from injury. The goalkeeper is training with a protective boot on his foot as he steps up his recovery programme. His target is to be fit for Roma's fixture against Parma.

Roma drew 1–1 with Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026 in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League League Phase. Marten de Roon gave the Giallorossi the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, but Kylian Mbappé equalised five minutes later, capitalising on an error by Mario Hermoso before a deflection off Gianluca Mancini beat goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. Roma began their European campaign with a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe, while Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, arrived in Rome having beaten Inter 2–1 at the Bernabéu. The return of Mourinho to the Stadio Olimpico as an opposing manager for the first time since his spell on Roma's bench added extra intrigue to the fixture. Gasperini's side dominated the opening exchanges and created several clear chances before De Roon's breakthrough. Donyell Malen had a close-range effort saved by Courtois in the 24th minute, and Paulo Dybala saw a sliding finish from inside the area pass narrowly wide in the 11th minute after combining with Nahuel Molina. Hermoso had an angled effort from the edge of the box turned away by Courtois early on. Real Madrid posed a growing threat as the first half progressed, with Jude Bellingham firing wide in the closing moments. Roma suffered an injury blow when Manu Koné sustained a muscular problem after just 15 minutes and was replaced by Niccolò Pisilli. The interval arrived with the match finely balanced at 1–1 after a competitive opening 45 minutes. Roma's lineup confirmed Pierluigi Gollini in goal with Mile Svilar unavailable through injury. Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the defensive line, while Nahuel Molina was chosen over Devyne Rensch at right-back. Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon operated in midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala providing support to Donyell Malen in attack. Real Madrid fielded Thibaut Courtois in goal with a back four of Matthijs Dumfries, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger, plus Juan Cucurella. François Letexier of France took charge as match referee, with Dennis Higler overseeing VAR duties. The article's coverage extends through the opening 45 minutes with play continuing into the second half. No information is provided about further developments, upcoming fixtures, or post-match statements.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Champions League League Phase match against Real Madrid this evening at the Olimpico, with 23 players available. Mile Svilar is unavailable due to a fractured finger, leaving Pierluigi Gollini, Giorgio De Marzi and Devis Vásquez as the goalkeepers in contention. Konstantinos Koulierakis has returned to full training in recent days and is regularly available for selection. Bryan Cristante, however, remains unavailable. The squad spans all four outfield positions, with defenders including Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi; midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora; and forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Champions League League Phase match against Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico this evening at 21:00. Konstantinos Koulierakis is fit and available, while goalkeeper Devis Vásquez has been included in the Champions League squad following Mile Svilar's injury, utilising the temporary replacement rule provided under UEFA regulations. Both Svilar and Bryan Cristante remain absent. The full squad list names Vásquez, De Marzi and Gollini as goalkeepers; Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi in defence; Pellegrini, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora in midfield; and Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala in attack.