Roma's Champions League draw: Mourinho's Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United, and Greenwood's Fenerbahce

Nahuel Molina has established himself as Roma's undisputed right-back after an initial period on the bench, and faces a familiar foe in tomorrow's Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico. In four years at Atlético Madrid, Molina played thirteen times against the Blancos, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats. His most memorable moment came in their last defeat, when he scored a stunning goal from over 30 metres—a missile into the top corner that silenced the Bernabéu. The 60,000-plus crowd at the Olimpico will seek to provide the platform for a magical European night. Molina must contend with Real Madrid's attacking threats, likely facing Vinícius unless coach Gasperini repeats the tactical switch deployed against Inter, moving Wesley to the right flank and Molina to the left, which would pit him against Diomandé instead. On the trequarti, Jude Bellingham's presence carries extra tension: the Argentina-England World Cup semi-final remains fresh, a match where Bellingham drew particular ire from the South American players after mocking Messi at kick-off. Romero, Paredes and Martínez were among those who did not hold back, and the taunts continued after the final whistle. Now the two will face each other again in Rome. Emanuele Lulli, the young defender who has ceded the right-back role to Molina, will have opportunities elsewhere in the season. Gasperini's flexibility with Molina's positioning shows a tactical awareness that will be crucial against a Real Madrid side demanding every ounce of the Argentine's experience and composure.

Paulo Dybala has promised Roma can match one of world football's most decorated teams when Real Madrid visit the Olimpico in the Champions League on 14 October. Speaking to UEFA's official channels, the Argentine forward—set to start in Gian Piero Gasperini's attack—said: "We play against one of the most titled teams in the world, but with the push of our fans we will have something more." The match marks Roma's return to European football's elite competition at home after a long absence; the club's last Champions League fixture at the Olimpico came on 12 February 2019, when Nicolò Zaniolo scored twice against Porto. The tie also carries personal resonance for Dybala, who will face José Mourinho—the manager who led Roma to the Europa League final in Budapest. Dybala has previously reflected on that run with emotion: "A genius who always protected us. We deserved to win that Europa League final in Budapest." Off the pitch, Dybala has reinforced his commitment to Roma's long-term future, telling the club: "I would never have imagined having a career like this in this country. I hope there can be an Italian ending." Gasperini will be without Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar through injury. Konstantinos Koulierakis is fit and available after encouraging signs in his recovery; all other squad members are at the manager's disposal. The club's board is expected to attend, underlining their support for the team on the night.

Paulo Dybala has declared his commitment to Roma on the eve of tomorrow evening's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, expressing his desire to end his career in Italian football. The Argentine forward, who has performed at a consistently high level this season, opened the door to a contract renewal and spoke of the deep bond he has formed with the club and its supporters. "I hope for an ending to my career in Italy," Dybala told reporters. "I never imagined I would build a career like this here. This country has welcomed me with open arms, the people have helped me grow as a man and as a footballer. There are many emotions, beautiful moments and sad moments, just like life is for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending." He added: "The fans are the first to hope for it, the bond with Roma is now unbreakable." Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made Dybala central to his tactical project since arriving at the club, regularly stating that when Dybala is performing well he makes a decisive difference. At Como, the forward carried the side on his shoulders, playing as a centre-forward and covering defensively after Donyell Malen's red card. On the Champions League challenge ahead, Dybala reflected on last season's push to earn qualification: "We gave everything last season to play in it. It will be difficult—we face some of the most decorated teams in the world—but with our people's support we will have something extra." Over seventy thousand fans are expected at the Olimpico for what promises to be another memorable European night.