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

Real Madrid return to Rome for the first time since 2018 to face Roma, who are celebrating their Champions League comeback at home. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the former Atalanta manager, Roma secured third place in Serie A last season and look ready to challenge Inter Milan for the title this year.

Gasperini’s squad remains unbeaten after six league matches and recently earned a hard-fought draw against fellow Champions League team Como, despite losing top scorer Donyell Malen to a red card. In Europe, they opened their group with a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahçe. Meanwhile, Madrid started their campaign with a narrow 2–1 win over Inter Milan at Santiago Bernabéu.

José Mourinho’s Return to Rome

On Wednesday, José Mourinho will face his former club Roma, where he won the Conference League in 2022 before leaving in early 2024. The fans at Olimpico are expected to welcome him warmly. While Mourinho enjoyed great success with Roma, Gasperini has recently gained the city’s affection as well.

Match Prediction and Managerial Duel

The head-to-head between these managers shows Mourinho with five wins out of ten meetings against Gasperini, who has only beaten Mourinho twice. This record might give Madrid some confidence ahead of the clash. Still, Mourinho’s Madrid has been inconsistent lately, scraping a victory over Villarreal and facing challenges off the pitch including Vinícius Júnior’s recent red card and Mourinho’s silence with the media.

• Managerial head-to-head: Mourinho leads 5-2 in their 10 meetings.
• Mbappé’s milestone: Kylian Mbappé will make his 100th Champions League appearance, aiming to surpass Raúl González and become the fifth-highest scorer in the competition.
• Historical record: Madrid have won 8 of the 12 matches against Roma, with only one home loss for Madrid at the Olimpico.

Prediction: Roma 1–2 Real Madrid

Expected Lineups

Donyell Malen’s red card applies only to Serie A, so he will lead Roma’s attack alongside Paulo Dybala, who remains injury-free this season. Star goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined until November due to a broken finger, while Bryan Cristante is also unavailable. Manu Koné and Marten De Roon are set to control midfield. Mario Hermoso, formerly with Atlético Madrid, brings experience against his old rivals.

• Formation (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.

Madrid have better player availability. Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler are back from suspension but may start on the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to partner Federico Valverde in midfield. Vinícius Júnior, suspended domestically, will likely feature in Europe. Yan Diomande, fresh off his first goal, should keep his spot. Injuries rule out Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raúl Asencio.

• Formation (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Diomande, Bellingham, Viní Jr; 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: 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+