Real Madrid staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with Antonio Rüdiger scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure victory for manager José Mourinho against his former club.
Roma appeared set for a memorable victory at the Stadio Olimpico after building a two-goal advantage in the second half, but Madrid scored three times in the closing stages to snatch all three points in a seven-goal thriller.
Marten de Roon gave Roma the lead in the 20th minute with a powerful left-footed effort that took a deflection before beating goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid responded five minutes later through Kylian Mbappé, who marked his 100th Champions League appearance by firing past Pierluigi Gollini.
The 27-year-old also became the youngest player to reach 100 appearances in the competition, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record.
Roma regained control after the break as Donyell Malen scored twice in the space of six minutes to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
The forward struck in the 51st minute before completing his brace in the 57th, leaving Madrid with a difficult task.
However, the Spanish giants refused to surrender.
Substitute Carlos Espí reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute, finishing from close range after Gollini saved Endrick’s header.
Madrid’s comeback gathered momentum two minutes later when Brazilian forward Endrick headed home Arda Güler’s corner to level the score at 3-3.
The visitors completed the turnaround in stoppage time as Rüdiger converted another Güler corner, silencing the home supporters and sealing a remarkable victory for Mourinho’s side.
The result provided a dramatic ending to Mourinho’s return to Rome, where he previously enjoyed a successful three-year spell that included winning the Europa Conference League.
