Zhipan Sport

Real Madrid Stun Roma with Dramatic Late Comeback

Oct 15, 05:31 AM

Real Madrid scored three goals in the final seven minutes to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback against Roma, giving manager Jose Mourinho a win on his return to the Italian capital.

Real Madrid produced another memorable Champions League comeback on Tuesday night, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to beat Roma 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico. The match marked Jose Mourinho's first return to Rome since leaving the club, and the Portuguese manager received a mixed reception from the home fans before kick-off. Roma started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute. A swift counter-attack ended with a low cross from the right, and the striker nipped in ahead of the Madrid defence to poke the ball home. Madrid struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Roma's compact midfield limiting space for the visitors' creative players. The home side nearly doubled their advantage before the break, but a powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar. The second half began with Roma in the ascendancy, and they were rewarded in the 58th minute. A corner from the left was met by a towering header from the centre-back, who powered the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Madrid were now facing a mountain to climb, and Mourinho urged his players forward from the touchline. Their task became even harder in the 70th minute when they were awarded a penalty, only for the Roma goalkeeper to produce a superb save. However, the game turned dramatically in the closing stages. In the 83rd minute, Madrid pulled one back through a well-worked move down the left, with a substitute striker converting from close range. The goal sparked belief in the visitors, and four minutes later, a stunning long-range strike from the midfield maestro flew into the top corner to level the score at 2-2. Roma were visibly shaken. In the second minute of stoppage time, Madrid completed the turnaround. A rapid counter-attack saw the winger drive forward before squaring the ball for a teammate to slot home, sending the away fans into raptures. The final whistle confirmed a remarkable 3-2 victory, leaving the Olimpico stunned. The win is a significant boost for Madrid's Champions League campaign and highlights the team's never-say-die attitude. Mourinho praised his players' resilience after the match, while also expressing his respect for the Roma supporters. The Roma coach was left to rue his side's collapse, admitting that they became too defensive after taking a two-goal lead. Madrid will now take confidence into their upcoming fixtures, while Roma must regroup quickly to avoid another late heartbreak.