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Roma vs Real Madrid: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Real Madrid returns to Rome for the first time since 2018 to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma, celebrating their return to the Champions League group stage, finished third in Serie A last season under Gian Piero Gasperini, who took over from José Mourinho in early 2024.

Gasperini’s side remains unbeaten after six league matches and managed a tough draw against fellow Champions League team Como despite losing top scorer Donyell Malen to a red card recently. In Europe, Roma started with a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe, while Real Madrid began their campaign with a 2-1 home win over Inter Milan.

Mourinho Faces Former Club

José Mourinho, once Roma's manager and known as the 'Special One,' will be warmly welcomed by the Olimpico crowd. He led Roma to Conference League success in 2022 but left the club earlier this year. This match holds significance for Mourinho, as he aims to improve his record against Gasperini, who has bested him twice in ten meetings. Mourinho’s teams have won five of those encounters, including recent victories as Real Madrid’s coach.

Key Stats and Milestones

  • Managerial Head-to-Head: Gasperini has won 2, Mourinho 5 out of 10 encounters.
  • Mbappé's Champions League Milestone: The Real Madrid forward makes his 100th Champions League appearance and can surpass Raúl González to become the fifth-highest scorer in competition history.
  • Historical Record: Real Madrid leads with 8 wins out of 12 meetings against Roma; Roma has only one home victory against Madrid.

Score Prediction

We think this will be a close battle, but Real Madrid could edge it 2-1 against Roma.

Projected Lineups

Roma (3-4-2-1)

Donyell Malen, despite his recent red card in Serie A, is available for this match and will likely lead the attack alongside Paulo Dybala, who has remained fit so far. Key goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined until November with a broken finger; Bryan Cristante is also out. Midfield roles will probably go to Manu Koné and Marten De Roon. Mario Hermoso, formerly of Atlético Madrid, faces his old rivals again.

  • Goalkeeper: Gollini
  • Defenders: Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso
  • Midfielders: Rensch, De Roon, Koné, Wesley
  • Forwards: Dybala, Soulé
  • Striker: Malen

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler are back after serving suspensions but may start on the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to partner Federico Valverde in midfield. Vinícius Júnior, suspended domestically, should feature in Europe. Yan Diomande looks set to continue in attack after scoring recently. Injuries rule out Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raúl Asencio.

  • Goalkeeper: Courtois
  • Defenders: Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella
  • Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouaméni
  • Attacking Midfielders: Diomande, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.
  • Striker: Mbappé

Match Details

  • Location: Rome, Italy
  • Stadium: Stadio Olimpico
  • Date: Wednesday, October 14
  • Kick-off Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
  • Referee: François Letexier (France)
  • VAR Official: Dennis Johan Higler (Netherlands)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMás, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, ViX
  • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 4, TNT Sports 10, HBO Max
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: FOX One, FOX+

More broadcasters worldwide can be found on official Champions League listings.

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