Rudiger’s Late Header Seals Real Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League Win at Roma

Real Madrid recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico, with Antonio Rudiger’s 90th-minute header completing an extraordinary Champions League league-phase turnaround against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Madrid bench changes the match

Roma had established a 3-1 lead after exploiting a poor first-half display from Madrid, but José Mourinho’s substitutions transformed the contest after the interval.

• Endrick and Arda Guler were introduced around the hour mark.
• Carlos Espi and Bernardo Silva followed as Mourinho continued to alter his side.
• Endrick scored as Madrid began their recovery.
• Espi then levelled the match, removing Roma’s two-goal advantage.
• Rudiger, previously a Roma player, headed in Guler’s second assist of the night in the final minute.

The result gave Madrid all three points after a seven-minute spell in which the visitors overturned the complexion of the European tie.

Mourinho accepts blame for first-half display

Mourinho said Madrid’s opening problems were his responsibility, while crediting Roma for the intensity and strength of their performance. He nevertheless believed that the hosts could not sustain that pressing level for the entire match.

“The first half was down to the coach and the second was down to the players,” Mourinho said. “It is a 90-minute strategic match, and the opponent matters. Roma were extremely strong.

“They could not maintain the way they played for all 90 minutes. I made the changes I felt were needed, but they hurt us badly in the first half.”

The comeback also underlined the depth available to Madrid, whose replacements supplied the goals, assists and momentum when the starting side had struggled.

Emotional return and Vinicius frustration

The match also brought Mourinho back in front of Roma supporters for the first time since his departure in January 2024. The Olimpico crowd gave their former manager a lengthy reception, while the ultras unveiled large displays commemorating the club’s 2022 Conference League success under him.

One banner carried the message that Rome would honour forever anyone who had brought glory to the city. Mourinho said the reception left him speechless.

There was also a brief issue involving Vinicius Jr., who was taken off in the 59th minute after losing possession in the build-up to Roma’s second goal. The Brazilian later acknowledged that he had been unhappy with the substitution.

Mourinho said Vinicius’ reaction was understandable, adding that the winger had made an error but that coaches also make mistakes. He stressed that Vinicius was pleased by the final result once the match was over.

Champions League boost for Madrid

Madrid’s escape in Rome keeps their league-phase campaign moving in the right direction, but Mourinho will now have to manage a squad containing high-profile players and inevitable disappointment over selection decisions.

With domestic and European commitments still to come, Madrid will need the same impact from their depth while ensuring frustration within the group is directed towards their next fixtures.