Real Madrid Stages Dramatic Comeback, Scoring Three Late Goals to Defeat Roma 4-3 in Champions League Thriller

Jose Mourinho experienced a memorable reunion with Roma as Real Madrid orchestrated an astonishing comeback, netting three goals in quick succession to secure a dramatic 4-3 away victory in the Champions League on Wednesday. Marten de Roon had given the hosts a deserved early lead, but Kylian Mbappe responded on his 100th Champions League appearance to equalize before halftime. Two goals from Donyell Malen in the opening six minutes of the second half appeared to put the 15-time European champions in a commanding position, with Roma dominating play. However, Real Madrid mounted a stunning late surge, scoring three goals in the space of seven minutes, all from corner situations, to completely turn the game around. Carlos Espi, Endrick, and former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger were the unlikely heroes, striking at a stunned Stadio Olimpico.

Mourinho, a beloved figure who led Roma to the UEFA Conference League title and an Europa League final during his two-and-a-half-year tenure, was honored by the home crowd with banners and chants during Roma’s first home Champions League match in over seven years. The hosts started brightly, with Mario Hermoso forcing a spectacular save from Thibaut Courtois. Roma took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when De Roon unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that beat Courtois. They nearly doubled their advantage when Malen's fierce strike squirmed under Courtois, only to be cleared off the line.

However, a momentary lapse in concentration proved costly for Roma. Hermoso misjudged an interception, allowing Mbappe a clear run on goal. The French striker's deflected shot found the back of the net, leveling the scores with Real Madrid's first significant chance of the match. Mbappe's goal, his 72nd in the Champions League, marked his 100th appearance in the competition and moved him past Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez into the all-time top five scorers.

The equalizer seemed to dampen Roma's momentum, and Real Madrid grew into the game, with Marc Cucurella and Jude Bellingham coming close to a second before the break. Despite pre-match assertions from Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini about maintaining their attacking style, the Italian side emerged from halftime with renewed vigor. Roma quickly regained the lead when substitute Rodrigo Mora set up Malen, who expertly controlled the ball and lifted it over Courtois with his first two touches.

Their advantage was extended just six minutes later when Malen raced onto a through ball and powered home his second goal, which was confirmed after a VAR review for a marginal offside call. Real Madrid sought a response, with Mbappe testing Pierluigi Gollini twice and having another goal disallowed for offside. Ultimately, set-pieces proved to be Real Madrid's salvation. Espi scored from close range following a rebound from a header, pulling one back for his team. Two minutes later, Endrick headed home another corner to equalize.

The decisive blow came in the 90th minute when Rudiger, the defender, got in front of his marker to guide home a close-range finish, completing an extraordinary turnaround for Real Madrid. This victory places Real Madrid on six points from their opening two league phase matches, while Roma remains on one point.

In other Champions League action, Shakhtar Donetsk celebrated their return to London by defeating AEK Athens 3-1. Fans displayed national flags as the team took the field. Lovro Majer opened the scoring for AEK Athens in the 28th minute, but Pedrinho equalized from the penalty spot six minutes later. Vinicius Tobias scored from a tight angle with about 10 minutes remaining, and substitute Gleiker Mendoza sealed the victory. Shakhtar now has four points after two games.

Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt secured a historic 1-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund with a goal from Fredrik Sjovold in the 52nd minute, extending their impressive home record against top European clubs. Dortmund, the 2024 Champions League runners-up, were unable to find an equalizer despite late pressure.

Aston Villa recorded their largest-ever European win, a resounding 6-0 thrashing of Fenerbahce, inspired by Nicolas Jackson. Johan Manzambi opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Jackson before halftime. Ross Barkley added two more in the second half, and Tammy Abraham completed the rout with a late strike, maintaining Aston Villa's perfect start in the competition.