Real Madrid is preparing to face Roma in the group stage of the Champions League, with the aim of finding the stability it lacks in the Spanish league. Portuguese coach José Mourinho, who returned to his old home in 2024, hopes his team will put together a solid performance at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, where they have suffered from discipline problems and injuries in recent games.
Real Madrid arrives in Italy with a group of key players ready for the match. Regular starters such as Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé will be in the starting eleven. Huijsen's return to the center of defense, after a suspension that prevented him from playing in the game against Villarreal, will also be an important piece. The coach has sidelined the injured Asencio and Rodrygo, and although Militao and Mendy are training with the group, they are not yet available to play. Mourinho's management also considers the possibility of Vinícius returning to his usual position on the left wing, which would leave midfielder Diomande on the bench.
On the other hand, Roma, which returns to the Champions League after seven years, faces a team with a recent history of difficult games. Gasperini's defense has been affected by the sending off of Donyell Malen and the absence of Mile Svilar, who is injured. Starting goalkeeper Svilar is out with a broken little toe on his right foot, forcing Gasperini to rely on substitute Pierluigi Gollini. In attack, Roma boasts the return of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has been out of action for 183 days, and the talents of Paulo Dybala, as well as Dutch striker Donyell Malen, who has scored six goals in seven games.
The match promises to be a clash of styles: Real Madrid, with its fast and offensive game, will face Roma, who have shown a solid defense and a balanced attack. The match will also be a test of Mourinho's ability to manage the pressure and expectations of his team in a high-level tournament. With the Champions League season underway, both teams are looking to secure the three points needed to advance to the next phase.