Real Madrid produced another unforgettable European comeback as three late goals transformed a 3-1 deficit into a dramatic 4-3 victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Spanish giants appeared to be heading for their first defeat of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase after Roma took control through Marten de Roon and a Donyell Malen brace. However, substitutes Carlos Espí and Endrick dragged Madrid level before Antonio Rüdiger struck the decisive fourth goal in the 90th minute.
The victory leaves Real Madrid with six points from their opening two Champions League matches and underlines the squad depth available to manager José Mourinho.
Roma Take Control at the Stadio Olimpico
Roma began confidently and repeatedly tested the visitors from distance. Their pressure was rewarded in the 20th minute when De Roon fired a powerful effort beyond Thibaut Courtois to give the Italian side a deserved lead.
Madrid responded only five minutes later. A defensive mistake gave Kylian Mbappé a route towards goal, and the French forward’s deflected finish found the net. The goal was a fitting way for Mbappé to mark his 100th Champions League appearance, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
Roma regained control shortly after the restart. Halftime substitute Rodrigo Mora released Malen, who lifted a composed finish over Courtois in the 51st minute.
Six minutes later, Malen raced through to score his second goal of the night. The strike was initially ruled out for offside but awarded after a VAR review, putting Roma 3-1 ahead.
Mourinho’s Substitutes Change the Match
With Madrid chasing the game, Mourinho turned to his bench. Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick were introduced as the visitors searched for a way back into the contest.
The changes completely altered the closing stages. Güler provided creativity from dead-ball situations, while Espí and Endrick added energy and urgency inside the Roma penalty area.
In the 83rd minute, Espí reacted quickest to a rebound following a corner and converted from close range. Two minutes later, Endrick powered a header into the net from another Güler delivery to make it 3-3.
Madrid were not finished.
In the 90th minute, another dangerous corner created panic in the Roma defence. Rüdiger got in front of his marker and guided the ball home, completing a remarkable seven-minute turnaround.
From 3-1 down in the 83rd minute to 4-3 winners by the 90th, Real Madrid again showed why they remain one of the most feared teams in Champions League history.
Endrick Inspires Real Madrid’s Comeback
Endrick emerged as the second-half standout after replacing Vinicius Junior. His movement immediately gave Madrid a more direct attacking threat, while his brave header for the equaliser shifted the momentum decisively in the visitors’ favour.
The Brazilian youngster was named the match MVP after making a huge impact despite receiving limited minutes earlier in the season.
His performance also demonstrated the importance of Madrid’s bench. When the starting attack struggled to break Roma down, Espí, Endrick and Güler supplied fresh energy and quality.
Güler’s influence was equally important. Madrid’s final three goals all developed from his corner deliveries, turning set pieces into the visitors’ most effective attacking weapon.
Vinicius Junior Reacts After Substitution
Vinicius Junior was substituted in the 58th minute with Real Madrid trailing 3-1 and showed visible frustration on the touchline. After the game, however, he praised the players who changed the contest and described Endrick as the best player of the second half.
The winger also addressed his difficult personal period, declaring: “I am in a bad moment, but Vini always comes back.”
His comments arrived on the same day he received a four-match La Liga suspension following his red card against Villarreal. The punishment was issued for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair and his subsequent reaction to the referee.
Vinicius will miss domestic matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia—including El Clásico. The suspension applies only to domestic competition, meaning he remains available for Madrid’s Champions League fixtures.
What the Roma 3-4 Real Madrid Result Means
This was not a perfect Real Madrid performance. Roma exposed defensive weaknesses, created dangerous openings and were only minutes away from a famous victory.
However, Madrid’s response highlighted three qualities that could define their European campaign: resilience, squad depth and set-piece quality.
Six points from two league-phase matches give Mourinho’s side a strong platform. Roma, meanwhile, are left with one point despite producing an excellent performance for much of the night.
For Madrid, the evening belongs to Espí, Endrick, Rüdiger and Güler—the late heroes of another Champions League comeback that looked impossible until the final seven minutes.
Bet on the Champions League with Bangbet
Follow the biggest UEFA Champions League matches and explore competitive football odds, pre-match markets and live-betting options with Bangbet.
Register, check the latest promotions and bet responsibly on your favourite European teams.
Bangbet More Than Win!
Football betting involves risk. Set a budget, never chase losses and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Terms and conditions apply.
