Jose Mourinho enjoyed a Roma reunion to remember as Real Madrid completed an astonishing comeback with three late goals from corners to claim a 4-3 away win. Marten de Roon gave the hosts a deserved opener before Kylian Mbappe struck back on his 100th Champions League appearance to level at halftime. Two Donyell Malen strikes in the space of six minutes early in the second half seemed to put Roma in control.
But Real struck back ruthlessly. Carlos Espi, Endrick and former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger all scored from corners in the space of seven minutes to stun the Stadio Olimpico. Mourinho, who led Roma to the UEFA Conference League title and an Europa League final before leaving, was honoured by the home crowd with banners and chants before the game.
Roma started strongly, with Mario Hermoso forcing a save from Thibaut Courtois. De Roon opened the scoring from 25 yards, and Malen almost doubled the lead when his shot squirmed under Courtois before being cleared off the line. But a defensive lapse allowed Mbappe a clear run, and his deflected shot flew into the roof of the net for his 72nd Champions League goal, moving him into the all-time top five ahead of Raul Gonzalez. Mbappe, at 27, became the youngest player to reach 100 appearances in the competition.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini had insisted his side would not compromise their attacking style, and they came out firing after the break. Half-time substitute Rodrigo Mora set up Malen for a brilliant finish, and Malen added his second six minutes later, racing onto a through ball to power home. However, Real's set-piece prowess proved decisive, with three corners all converted to complete a remarkable turnaround.