Roma return to the Olimpico on Wednesday night with a European test that arrives at an important point in their season. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side host Real Madrid at 21:00 in the second round of the Champions League, days after a goalless draw at Como ended their stay at the top of Serie A.
The result at the Sinigaglia was a frustrating pause rather than a collapse in momentum. Roma remain third in the league, having built one of the division’s strongest starts: they share the best defensive record with Cagliari and have scored fewer goals only than Inter.
Now the focus moves to a meeting with Real Madrid and with José Mourinho, who returns to Rome as the Blancos’ coach. Mourinho led the Giallorossi from 2021 until January 2024, and his return gives the occasion a personal dimension beyond the points at stake.
Roma seek their first Champions League win
Roma began their European campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce in Turkey. Bryan Cristante put Gasperini’s team ahead in the 39th minute, but Brown’s equaliser ensured that the opening fixture finished level.
That leaves Roma looking for a first victory in the group phase against a side that started with three points. Real Madrid defeated Inter 2-1 at the Bernabéu in their opening Champions League match.
The historical record is also in Madrid’s favour. The clubs have faced each other 12 times, with Real winning eight matches. Roma have won three, while one encounter ended in a draw.
Mourinho’s Madrid searching for league consistency
Real arrive in Italy with contrasting form between Europe and their domestic campaign. Mourinho’s side have recorded six wins and two defeats over the first eight league rounds, a sequence that has left them fourth in the table.
Barcelona are six points ahead, placing greater emphasis on the need for Real to find a more stable rhythm in the weeks ahead. The Olimpico therefore offers both clubs a chance to give their season added direction: Roma to turn a promising opening into European progress, and Madrid to reinforce the authority shown against Inter.
The match will be shown live exclusively on Prime Video for Amazon Prime subscribers.
