Roma's three key men against Real Madrid: Koné, Malen and Wesley

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 host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

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 Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

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.

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 host Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

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 Olimpico tonight at 21:00 in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to the stadium where he won the club's most recent European trophy. The match carries emotional weight — Mourinho remains a figure the stadium has never fully let go of — but Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the evening will not become a celebration. The coach is determined that Roma will not abandon their identity against one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini has built Roma's path back into the Champions League on principles of aggression, pressure and courage, and he has no intention of shelving them now. The key to the match will lie in Roma's tactical approach. They will attempt to press man-to-man, suffocate Madrid's space and disrupt their rhythm — a bold, inherently risky strategy against players of the calibre of Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham, but one Gasperini believes is the only way to truly test where his Roma stands. Madrid arrive with vulnerabilities: Mourinho's work is already under scrutiny in Spain, the squad has dropped points in La Liga and concedes more than a team of their quality should. That is where Roma will strike, relying on the attacking quality of Dybala, Malen and Soulé and the noise of a sold-out stadium. Gasperini is expected to make few changes from recent matches. Gollini will continue in goal after a solid display at Como. In defence, a choice remains between Balerdi and N'Dicka to complete the back four with Mancini and Hermoso, while Wesley and Molina lead the race at full-back, though Rensch offers a more cautious alternative. De Roon and Koné will continue in midfield, and Soulé is expected to return to the starting line-up behind Dybala and Malen. Malen, in particular, carries extra weight after his red card at Como and subsequent apology to supporters. He knows Madrid well: he faced them in the Champions League final at Wembley with Borussia Dortmund and scored and assisted in a Bernabéu comeback, but his role tonight will be markedly different — no longer a supporting attacking figure but one of Roma's primary reference points. Mourinho has already acknowledged that controlling his emotions before and after the match may prove difficult, though his focus during the ninety minutes will be purely on Real Madrid. Gasperini, meanwhile, makes no secret of his ambition: he has returned Roma to the Champions League and now wants to discover how far they can go. Tonight's test against one of world football's strongest teams, though almost incomparable in history, trophies and international stature, offers the perfect measure. Roma must be near-perfect, especially in transition management and denying Madrid's stars space. But they must also possess the personality Gasperini has constructed in recent months — no defensive bus, no plan merely to survive ninety minutes. The idea is to compete.

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.