Rudiger’s Late Volley Seals Real Madrid’s 4-3 Comeback Win Over Roma
Real Madrid struck three times in the final eight minutes to beat Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico, with Antonio Rudiger volleying the decisive goal in the 89th minute against his former club.
Roma had led 3-1 after Donyell Malen scored twice and Marten de Roon added another, while Kylian Mbappe had found the net for Madrid on his 100th Champions League appearance.
But Arda Guler changed the contest with three successive set-pieces in the closing stages. Carlos Espi began the recovery before Endrick, named Player of the Match, levelled the score. Rudiger then completed the extraordinary turnaround.
Roma fade as Madrid find late answer
Jose Mourinho said the match swung dramatically after his side had controlled the earlier stages.
“It was two matches in one: one where Roma were superior in every aspect, and the final 20 minutes where Real Madrid were unstoppable,” Mourinho said.
“At 3-1, everyone thought we were done for, but then it was they who ended up tiring.”
Mourinho singled out Endrick after the teenage forward’s impact from the bench, saying Roma’s exhausted defenders could not contain him.
Endrick admitted he had not expected to enter the game as early as he did. “I’m still feeling the emotions,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to come on so early, but I want to help my team.”
Rudiger’s bittersweet winner
Rudiger celebrated Madrid’s winner but acknowledged the personal significance of scoring against Roma.
“I’m happy to have scored the winning goal,” he said. “Of course, it’s a bittersweet feeling, but that’s football. Roma will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The defender said Madrid’s response must set the standard for the side moving forward, calling for more determination, courage and belief from the opening whistle.
Espi described the finish as “absolutely crazy” and said Madrid sensed the comeback was building as the clock ran down.
Federico Valverde praised the substitutes who changed the game, while conceding Madrid had made the night far harder than necessary.
“As a player, I’m proud,” Valverde said. “But if we had done our job properly from the start, it would have been a much less complicated game.”
Madrid’s second Champions League league-phase win is now secured. Next, they will turn their attention to their upcoming continental fixture.
