Mourinho Backs Referees Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League Clash with Roma
Jose Mourinho has sought to lower the temperature around Real Madrid’s recent disputes with match officials before Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma, saying he approaches both domestic and European fixtures with confidence in the refereeing teams.
Madrid travel into the game after a turbulent domestic win over Villarreal, when a Vinicius Junior goal was ruled out and the Brazilian was later sent off for pulling an opponent’s hair. Mourinho did not complete his required media duties after the 1-0 victory, adding to a sequence of disciplinary flashpoints involving the club’s manager.
Despite that frustration, Mourinho said he begins every match with a positive view of the officials. He said he trusted referees in La Liga and the Champions League alike, and hoped the game would run smoothly for all three sides involved: Real Madrid, Roma and the referee crew.
Madrid frustration remains
The manager’s comments represent a more restrained approach after earlier criticism following Real’s derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. Mourinho had used photographs during a subsequent press conference to argue that Atletico players should have been punished for particular challenges.
He declined to revisit those complaints while preparing for Roma, pointing out that Italian journalists attending his media conference were focused on the European contest. Mourinho said there would be another opportunity to address wider issues on Saturday and urged attention to turn towards the match.
However, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni indicated that irritation over refereeing decisions has not disappeared inside the Madrid squad. The France international said the players did not want to discuss officials, but acknowledged substantial frustration with recent calls.
Strong start in Europe
Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win against Inter Milan, while Roma opened with a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce. The sides now meet with Madrid looking to build early control of their group and Roma seeking their first victory of the competition.
The occasion also brings Mourinho back to a club he led from 2021 until 2024. During his three years in the Italian capital, Roma won the Conference League in 2022 and then reached the Europa League final the following season.
Reflecting on that period, Mourinho said Roma had not won the Champions League, but stressed that lifting a European trophy and appearing in another continental final over two years meant the project had come together successfully.
