Roma host Real Madrid in the Champions League at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening, marking the ground's first continental fixture in over six years. Gian Piero Gasperini has restored the Giallorossi to Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2018–19, though their league-phase campaign has faltered. After an opening 1–1 draw with Fenerbahce, Roma have extended their winless run in European football to four matches, comprising three draws and one defeat. In Serie A, they defeated Torino 2–0 but have since drawn consecutively against Como and Inter, notably holding a goalless stalemate at Como on Saturday despite playing with numerical disadvantage.
The fixture carries symbolic weight with José Mourinho's return as an opponent. The former Roma manager won the UEFA Conference League with the club in 2021–22 and achieved consecutive European finals. Francesco Totti, attending the event in his capacity as a Panini sticker album ambassador, confirmed he will be present at the Olimpico for the first time in two years. Totti backed Roma's title credentials this season, stating the team "can compete for the Scudetto" despite acknowledging Inter's strength, and praised Gasperini for creating "a great compact group, united, that shows the will to win." On the fixture itself, Totti expected a difficult encounter, noting that facing Real Madrid at a full Olimpico "is not easy," though he emphasised Mourinho deserves "a great reception" from Roma supporters.
Roma's recent home form in the Champions League presents concern: they have suffered five defeats across their last five European outings at the Olimpico overall, though Gasperini's side remain unbeaten across their last eight competitive games at the stadium. Cult of Calcio reports Roma have won only three of their 14 meetings with Real Madrid historically. Real Madrid have dominated Italian opposition, winning 19 of their last 21 Champions League clashes against Serie A sides under Mourinho's tenure, losing just once in the main draw competition. Roma will be without goalkeeper Mile Svilar due to a toe injury, with Pierluigi Gollini expected to start. Donyell Malen is set to lead the line despite a red card against Como, while Real Madrid will be missing Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
