José Mourinho experienced an unforgettable return to face his former club as Real Madrid orchestrated a stunning turnaround, recovering from a 3-1 deficit to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory in Wednesday's Champions League encounter.
The hosts started brightly, with Marten de Roon opening the scoring with a well-deserved goal that gave Roma an early advantage. Real Madrid's response came through Kylian Mbappé, who marked his 100th Champions League appearance with an equalizer, ensuring the teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
The second half appeared to be heading in Roma's favor when Donyell Malen produced a brilliant six-minute brace early after the restart. The Dutch forward's double strike put the home side 3-1 up and seemingly in control of the match, with the Stadio Olimpico crowd sensing victory.
However, the 15-time European champions demonstrated their trademark resilience and championship pedigree. Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Real Madrid launched a remarkable late surge, netting three goals in the closing stages to snatch an improbable 4-3 away triumph.
For Mourinho, now managing Roma, the evening proved bittersweet. The Portuguese tactician, who previously coached Real Madrid, watched his current side squander what seemed like a comfortable lead against his former employers in one of the most dramatic Champions League matches of the season.
In other European action, Bodø/Glimt continued their impressive European campaign by defeating Borussia Dortmund in Norway, becoming the latest high-profile victim of the Norwegian champions' home fortress.
