Roma will face Real Madrid on the second day of the Champions League, with Europe ahead of a match that has already sold all the big names for the Olimpico. Coach José Mourinho, who led the Rossoneri team in the past, returns for the first time as an opponent after two and a half years spent in the capital, including the victory in the Conference League in Tirana and the Europa League final in Budapest.
For Roma, the situation is delicate: the team fell two points from the top of the Serie A table, where Inter and Lazio occupy, following the goalless draw against Como on Sunday, where the defeat was accentuated by Malen's expulsion. Gasperini will have to do without Svilar, who was replaced by deputy Gollini at Sinigaglia, and Cristante. The captain still has a problem with his right knee, so De Roon will be confirmed in midfield. On the offensive front, Soulé has the advantage over Pellegrini and Mora, while the main striker role remains open.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, has already suffered two defeats in La Liga, leaving them six points behind Barcelona, first in the table. The Spanish team is still recovering: Raul Asencio, Eder Militao and Rodrygo remained in the infirmary, while the defense was re-evaluated with Alexander-Arnold favored over Dumfries. On the offensive front, Mbappé is supported by a quality attacking midfield made up of Arda Guler, Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Roma will have to count on Mou, who returns home, and on Malen, who will face Mbappé in a direct duel. The match is scheduled for the second day of the Champions League and represents a crucial challenge for both teams, which seek to consolidate their position in the European competition. The final result could influence the ranking of the top positions of the Champions League and the motivation of the teams for the next matches.