UCL 2026-27: Real Madrid edges Roma thanks to Rudiger’s late winner; Player ratings

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal against Roma. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Antonio Rudiger was Real Madrid’s unlikely hero on his return to Roma with a last-minute winner for a 4-3 victory in their UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league phase clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.

The home fans paid tribute to returning coach Jose Mourinho, then celebrated wildly as their team took a 3-1 lead.

Marten de Roon scored Roma’s opener with a well-struck effort from distance in the 20th, before Kylian Mbappe equalised with a deflected shot in the 25th on his 100th appearance in the competition. At 27, he’s the youngest player to reach the 100 mark.

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Donyell Malen answered twice – restoring Roma’s lead in the 51st and getting his second six minutes later.

But Madrid substitutes Carlos Espi, and Endrick scored within three minutes from the 85th minute to tie the game, then Rudiger scored from close range after a corner.

ROMA VS REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS

Roma

Gollini (5.1), Mancini (6.2), N’Dicka (5.9), Hermoso (7.5), Wesley (7.0), de Roon (7.7), Koné (6.4), Molina (7.3), Soulé (8.5), Malen (8.8), Dybala (6.5)

Substitutes: Pisilli (6.3), Mora (7.2), Balerdi (5.7), Pellegrini (6.2), Koulierakis (No rating)

Real Madrid

Courtois (6.5), Dumfries (5.6), Konaté (6.3), Rudiger (7.4), Cucurella (6.1), Valverde (7.1), Tchouameni (6.8), Diomande (8.6), Bellingham (7.5), Vinicius (5.8), Mbappe (8.1)

Substitutes: Guler (8.2), Endrick (7.8), Silva (6.6), Carreras (6.3), Espi (7.0)