Real Madrid Stuns Roma With Seven-Minute Second-Half Rally

Real Madrid turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 victory against Roma behind goals from substitutes Carlos Espí and Endrick.

Real Madrid secured a 4-3 victory over AS Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday after trailing 3-1 late in the match. A seven-minute scoring burst featured goals from substitutes Carlos Espí and Endrick before Antonio Rüdiger secured the win with a 90th-minute header. Arda Güler provided his second assist of the night on the decisive goal to maintain Madrid's maximum points in the league phase.

Manager José Mourinho accepted responsibility for a first half where he was outsmarted by Gian Piero Gasperini, leading to a two-goal deficit. The momentum shifted following a triple substitution in the 59th minute, which saw Güler and Endrick enter the pitch. Bernardo Silva and Espí were also introduced as tactical changes to counter a Roma side that Mourinho described as unable to maintain their high intensity for the full duration.

Vinícius Júnior expressed frustration after being replaced by Endrick, particularly as he was at fault for losing possession leading to Roma's second goal. Despite his anger at the switch, the Brazilian forward later acknowledged the tactical success of the changes. The match also marked a homecoming for Mourinho, who was honored by Roma fans with banners and a standing ovation commemorating his 2022 Conference League title and 2023 Europa League final appearance with the Italian club.