Rüdiger Strikes Late as Real Madrid Stun Roma 4-3 in Champions League

Antonio Rüdiger volleyed home in the 90th minute to complete an astonishing late comeback as Real Madrid, two goals down with seven minutes left, stunned Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico and sent José Mourinho back to his old club with a victory few inside the ground saw coming.

Roma looked to be heading for a famous night. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side led 3-1 and had been the sharper team for long spells. Then it unravelled, with all three Madrid goals coming from corners, as Roma’s defence lost its shape. Madrid ended up with two wins from two in the Champions League league phase, while Roma remain on one point and are now winless in five European games.

The hosts began at a furious tempo, Matías Soulé curling narrowly wide inside the first minute, and they deservedly led in the 20th minute when Marten de Roon, teed up by Soulé, fired a left-footed shot that deflected past a wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. Donyell Malen then missed a clear chance to double the lead, and it proved costly.

Madrid levelled against the run of play five minutes later. Mario Hermoso gave the ball away, and Kylian Mbappé, playing his 100th Champions League match, drove it past Pierluigi Gollini for his 500th goal involvement in club football.

Roma regained control after the break. Malen put them back in front shortly after the restart, set up by Rodrigo Mora, and in the 57th minute he added a third from Soulé’s pass after more careless Madrid play. At 3-1, the Olimpico was roaring and Madrid looked beaten.

Instead, the visitors found a way back. Gollini saved from Mbappé twice in quick succession, then could only spill an Endrick header from a corner, and substitute Carlos Espí pounced in the 83rd minute. Two minutes later Endrick rose unchallenged to head in Arda Güler’s corner. Then came Rüdiger, who volleyed the winner from another Güler delivery in the 90th minute. Roma’s shattered players stood motionless as Madrid celebrated.

According to Opta, no away side had previously come from two goals behind later in a Champions League game and gone on to win, outside of extra time. Mourinho took the blame for Madrid’s struggles, but praised his players for their late fightback.

Roma, who had been so dominant, were left to reflect on a night when they let a prize slip through their fingers. Madrid’s reward was a ruthless victory that will long be remembered.