Al Jazeera
Jose Mourinho had a memorable reunion with Roma as Real Madrid executed an incredible comeback, scoring three late goals to secure a 4-3 away triumph in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Marten de Roon put the hosts ahead with a well-deserved opening goal. However, Kylian Mbappe responded promptly, scoring the equalizer just before halftime during his 100th Champions League match.
Donyell Malen netted two goals within six minutes shortly after the break, seemingly placing the game out of reach for the 15-time European champions as Roma displayed dominant play.
Yet, Real Madrid turned the tide in a dramatic finish, scoring three goals in just seven minutes, all originating from set pieces. Carlos Espi, Endrick, and former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger found the back of the net, stunning the audience at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho remains a beloved figure in the Roma community, having guided the team to a UEFA Conference League title as well as an Europa League final during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.
The home crowd paid tribute to the Portuguese manager with banners and chants during Roma's first home Champions League match in over seven years. The hosts opened strongly, with Mario Hermoso forcing Thibaut Courtois into a spectacular fingertip save.
Roma deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute when De Roon expertly placed a shot past Courtois from 25 yards. They nearly extended their advantage when Malen's powerful attempt slipped under Courtois but fortunately for Real, was cleared off the line.
However, a momentary lapse in concentration returned the advantage to Real within five minutes of Roma's opener. Hermoso's misjudgment allowed Mbappe a clear path to goal, and his deflected shot found the roof of the net, leveling the match with Real's first significant attempt.
With this goal, Mbappe not only celebrated his milestone as the youngest player to reach 100 Champions League appearances at age 27 but also scored his 72nd goal in the tournament, moving into the all-time top five ahead of Real Madrid icon Raul Gonzalez.
Following the equalizer, Roma's intensity was dampened, but they still managed to threaten twice more before halftime through Marc Cucurella and Jude Bellingham.
Before the game, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini emphasized that they would maintain their full-throttle approach regardless of their opponent, and they lived up to that promise as they came out firing after the interval.
The Italians reclaimed the lead when half-time substitute Rodrigo Mora provided an assist to Malen, who skillfully controlled the ball and deftly lifted it over Courtois.
Things took a turn for the better for Roma just six minutes later, as Malen capitalized on a through ball to secure his second goal, which was awarded after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call.
Real Madrid sought to respond, with Mbappe testing Pierluigi Gollini on two occasions before his second goal was disqualified for offside.
Set pieces proved pivotal in breaking down the Roma defense, as Espi converted a close-range rebound from a header to initiate Real's comeback. Just two minutes later, Endrick scored a powerful header from another corner.
The final blow came in the 90th minute when Rudiger positioned himself perfectly to guide home a close-range finish, completing an extraordinary turnaround.
This outcome leaves Real Madrid with six points from their opening two matches in the league phase, while Roma sits on one point.
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