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

Roma Hosts Real Madrid in Champions League Clash

Real Madrid returns to Rome for the first time since 2018 to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma, back in the Champions League, finished third in Serie A last season under Gian Piero Gasperini and look ready to challenge Inter Milan for the title this year.

Roma remains unbeaten after six league games but had to work hard for a draw against fellow Champions League side Como, especially after losing top scorer Donyell Malen to a red card. In Europe, their campaign began with a 1-1 draw away at Fenerbahçe. Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Mourinho Factor

José Mourinho, returning to Italy in 2021 after a long absence, led Roma to Conference League success before leaving in early 2024. The Olimpico crowd will warmly welcome the “Special One” on Wednesday. Mourinho’s history with Roma and his ties to Italian football add an emotional layer to the match.

Key Stats and Records

• Managerial head-to-head: Gasperini has beaten Mourinho twice in ten meetings; Mourinho has won five times.
• Mbappé’s milestone: Real Madrid’s No. 9 marks his 100th Champions League appearance and could move past Raúl González to become the fifth-highest scorer in the competition.
• Head-to-head record: Real Madrid leads with eight wins in twelve matches against Roma, including most victories at the Olimpico, where Roma has won only once.

Score Prediction

We think it will be a close encounter, but Real Madrid might edge out Roma with a 2-1 victory.

Expected Roma Lineup

Malen’s recent red card affects Serie A games but not this match, so he should start alongside Paulo Dybala, who has remained fit this season. Star goalkeeper Mile Svilar is out until November due to a broken finger, and Bryan Cristante is also unavailable. Gasperini’s midfield will likely feature Manu Koné and Marten De Roon, while former Atlético Madrid defender Mario Hermoso faces his old rivals.

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

Expected Real Madrid Lineup

Real Madrid has a healthier squad with Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler available after suspensions, though they may start on the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni will likely partner Federico Valverde in midfield, and Vinícius Júnior, suspended domestically, is expected to play in Europe. Yan Diomande, who scored recently, should keep his place. Injuries rule out Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raúl Asencio.

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Lineup: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé

Match Details

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

Broadcast Info

• 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+