Real Madrid produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, scoring three goals in the closing stages to overturn a two-goal deficit in a dramatic UEFA Champions League encounter.
According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER and Real Madrid-focused publication Managing Madrid, the visitors recovered from a 3-1 deficit through late strikes from Carlos Espí, Endrick and Antonio Rüdiger to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Roma appeared firmly in control after Marten de Roon opened the scoring and Donyell Malen struck twice in the second half. However, Madrid mounted a stunning late rally to secure all three points in a match that seemed destined to end in a home victory.
De Roon gave Roma the lead in the 20th minute with an effort that deflected off Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté, wrong-footing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid responded five minutes later when Kylian Mbappé found the net to restore parity at 1-1, keeping the visitors in contention before the interval.
Roma regained the advantage shortly after the restart, with Malen scoring in the 51st minute before completing his brace six minutes later to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
With Madrid struggling to contain Roma’s attacking threat, the hosts looked poised to secure an important victory. However, the visitors found renewed energy in the closing stages, and their late attacking changes transformed the contest.
Espí pulled one goal back in the 83rd minute, giving Madrid a lifeline before Endrick struck two minutes later to level the score at 3-3.
Just as Roma appeared to have salvaged a draw, Rüdiger delivered the decisive blow in the 90th minute, completing Madrid’s remarkable turnaround and sparking celebrations among the visiting players.
The victory highlighted Madrid’s resilience and attacking depth, with their late surge turning an apparent defeat into a memorable away triumph.
For Roma, the result was a bitter disappointment after Malen’s impressive brace and De Roon’s early breakthrough had put them in a commanding position. Their inability to withstand Madrid’s late pressure ultimately proved costly.
Madrid’s dramatic comeback will stand out as one of the most thrilling moments of their Champions League campaign, while Roma will be left to reflect on a result that slipped away in the closing minutes.
