Real Madrid staged an incredible comeback at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring three goals in the final eight minutes to overturn a 3-1 deficit and win 4-3 against Roma. The match turned on substitute Endrick's impact and set-pieces delivered by Arda Guler, which allowed Carlos Espi, Endrick, and Antonio Rudiker to transform the game's outcome.
The victory gives Real Madrid six points from two Champions League group stage matches, putting them halfway toward qualification with six matches remaining. Manager Jose Mourinho acknowledged the comeback's importance despite his side's poor first-half performance. "At 3-1, everyone thought we were done for, but then it was they who ended up tiring," Mourinho stated. He credited his second-half changes and tactical adjustments, praising Endrick's performance: "I know the talent he possesses. The Roma defenders were tired and couldn't stop him."
Roma dominated the opening period, building their 3-1 lead through Donyell Malen's double and Marten de Roon's goal. Kylian Mbappe had scored on his 100th Champions League appearance before the late surge. Mourinho explained that Roma's intense pace proved unsustainable over 90 minutes.
Rudiker, a former Roma player, scored the decisive goal with a volley in the 89th minute and acknowledged the complexity of his moment. "I'm happy to have scored the winning goal. Of course, it's a bittersweet feeling, but that's football. Roma will always hold a special place in my heart," Rudiker revealed. Endrick said: "I'm still feeling the emotions. I wasn't expecting to come on so early, but I want to help my team." Midfielder Federico Valverde noted that had Real Madrid performed properly from the start, the victory would have been far less complicated.