Malen targets Real Madrid response after Como red card as Roma host Champions League tie
Roma forward Donyell Malen will look to put Sunday’s red card against Como behind him when Real Madrid visit a sold-out Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, in the club’s first Champions League home fixture since 2019.
Red card leaves Roma third in Serie A
Malen was dismissed during Roma’s 0-0 draw with Como, a result that cost the Giallorossi ground in the title race. They have fallen to third in Serie A and sit two points behind leaders Inter Milan.
The Netherlands international said he had begun to move past the incident, insisting there was no intention to injure an opponent. He admitted, however, that watching the remainder of the match from the sidelines was particularly difficult, especially with Roma unable to claim the points they needed.
- Malen received a red card in Sunday’s goalless match against Como.
- Roma dropped to third place in the league standings.
- Inter Milan are two points ahead of Roma at the top.
- The former Aston Villa player will miss upcoming domestic football, but remains available for European action.
He described the experience after his dismissal as one of the most stressful he had endured for some time, saying a player can feel responsible when the side suffers after a sending-off. Malen nevertheless believes the Madrid match must be approached separately from the disappointment of the Como draw.
A reunion with Bellingham at the Olimpico
Wednesday’s meeting will also bring Malen back together with Jude Bellingham. The pair played alongside each other at Borussia Dortmund from 2021 until Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid in 2023.
Malen stayed at Dortmund until 2025, then joined Aston Villa before moving to Roma. He said he had not spoken with Bellingham before the match, but praised the England midfielder’s exceptional ability and said he was looking forward to seeing a former team-mate he knows well.
Both clubs began their Champions League campaigns with victories.
- Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-1 in their opening league-phase fixture.
- Roma won 3-2 against Villarreal.
- José Mourinho, who guided Roma to the 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League, will be in the Real Madrid dugout.
Malen’s immediate impact in Rome
Since arriving from the Premier League in January, Malen has made a prolific start in Serie A. He leads the division’s scoring standings with six goals from six league appearances and has scored 21 times in 21 matches in all competitions for Roma.
The striker credited the confidence shown in him by the coach, regular playing time and the welcome he has received from colleagues, staff and supporters. He also pointed to his connection with the city, saying the combined support around the club has helped him perform at his highest level.
Champions League returns home
Roma have not hosted a Champions League match since their 2019 round-of-16 elimination. Their European record has improved in the intervening years, most notably through the Conference League triumph under Mourinho four seasons ago.
Malen said home support could prove especially significant against Madrid. Roma had set a return to the Champions League as a major objective when he arrived last year, and he views a first home match in the competition against Real Madrid as a major occasion for the squad and its supporters.
