Real Madrid Complete Stunning Late Comeback to Beat Roma 4-3
Real Madrid preserved their perfect European record with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, overturning a 3-1 deficit with eight minutes of normal time left. Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger scored during the late recovery after summer arrival Carlos Espi had sparked Madrid’s response.
Why the Roma win matters
| Match detail | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Roma 3-4 Real Madrid |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico |
| Madrid deficit | 3-1 with eight minutes remaining |
| Late scorers | Kylian Mbappe, Endrick, Antonio Rudiger |
| European record | Perfect start maintained |
The result delivered the points, but not the control José Mourinho will want from his side. Madrid were repeatedly exposed before their late rally, extending concerns that the team has yet to develop the defensive organisation usually associated with the Portuguese coach.
Jamie Carragher believes Mourinho is dealing with a problem inherent in managing a club with so many elite forward options. Asked by Kate Scott whether the current Madrid team resembles a typical Mourinho side, Carragher said it does not.
He argued that Madrid’s attacking talent makes it difficult to remove a forward in favour of another midfielder, even if that would create a more balanced side. In his view, managers at the Bernabéu can be forced to adapt to the club’s attacking expectations rather than impose their preferred structure.
Carragher described Mourinho as a coach whose previous teams have been disciplined and well ordered, but said Madrid’s current make-up prevents him from fully applying that approach. The sequence of late escapes and comebacks, he added, has left the side looking far from convincing despite their ability to keep collecting results.
Madrid are now in a third straight season without silverware, increasing the pressure on Mourinho’s return. Their domestic position is also difficult, with Barcelona already holding a significant advantage at the top of La Liga.
Clasico leaves major questions
Real Madrid meet Barcelona next weekend in a Clasico that could have an early and decisive bearing on the title race. A defeat would further damage their prospects of catching the league leaders, while Mourinho must quickly find greater stability if Madrid are to turn their European momentum into a sustained domestic challenge.
