Rome prepares for a European evening on 14 October as Roma welcome Real Madrid in the second round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, a meeting that brings the Spanish side back to the Italian capital after contrasting opening-night results.
A Champions League night in the capital
The match is scheduled to begin at 13:00 Central Mexico time. Viewers in Mexico can follow the contest on HBO Max or FOX One.
- Fixture: Roma vs Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase, matchday two
- Date: 14 October
- Kick-off: 13:00 Central Mexico time
- Broadcast: HBO Max and FOX One
Madrid arrive after surviving Inter pressure
Real Madrid opened their European campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu. The hosts built a two-goal advantage before the interval, with Kylian Mbappé scoring and captain Federico Valverde adding the second.
Valverde’s goal came after Spanish goalkeeper Josef Martínez tried to dribble past him inside the six-yard box, only to lose possession at close range.
The second half was less comfortable for Madrid, who failed to take several clear chances. Inter eventually reduced the deficit in the 77th minute, when Carlos Augusto finished after a delivery from Lautaro Martínez, but José Mourinho’s side held on for the opening win.
Absences and a return
Madrid will travel to Italy without four players, although Dean Huijsen is available again.
- Ferland Mendy is absent.
- Éder Militão is unavailable.
- Rodrygo will miss the trip.
- Raúl Asencio is also out.
- Dean Huijsen returns to the squad.
Roma seek to build on Istanbul point
Roma began the new league phase with a draw away to Fenerbahçe at the Chobani Stadyumu in Turkey. It was an even contest, but the visitors had gone into the break ahead through Bryan Cristante, whose right-footed effort from inside the area found the net.
Wesley then had a clear opening to extend Roma’s lead but could not convert it. That missed opportunity proved costly as Archie Brown levelled for Fenerbahçe, finishing from Greenwood’s assist to leave each team with a point.
Roma now return home with Madrid in town, carrying the memory of a lead lost in Istanbul and facing a side that began its campaign with three points but was made to work for them.
