Roma vs Real Madrid: UEFA Champions League Matchday Guide
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026/27 – League Phase, Matchday 2 Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome Date & Kick-off: October 14, 2026, 20:00 BST (early hours of October 15 in Asia)
One of the standout fixtures of the UEFA Champions League league phase takes place under the lights at the Stadio Olimpico, as Roma host 15-time champions Real Madrid. This Matchday Guide covers everything you need to know — team news, predicted lineups, head-to-head history, and how to watch.
The Story So Far
Real Madrid opened their European campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan, though José Mourinho's men were far from convincing at the Bernabéu. Los Blancos also head to Rome on the back of a 1-0 La Liga victory over Villarreal, with Yan Diomande scoring his first Madrid goal before Vinicius Junior saw red late on.
For Mourinho, this is a deeply personal reunion. The Portuguese coach led Roma from 2021 to 2024, delivering the inaugural Conference League trophy in 2022 and a Europa League final the following year. Facing Roma in the Champions League — in the stadium he once called home — adds a fascinating subplot to an already heavyweight clash.
Roma, meanwhile, are back at Europe's top table after a seven-season absence. Gian Piero Gasperini's side earned a gritty 1-1 draw away at Fenerbahçe on Matchday 1 and remain unbeaten in Serie A, sitting third after a 0-0 stalemate with Como.
Roma vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head
These giants have met 12 times in Europe, and the record favours Madrid: eight wins to Roma's three, with one draw. Crucially, Los Blancos have won the last four meetings without conceding a single goal, and they have won five of six previous visits to Rome.
- Last meeting: Real Madrid 2-0 Roma
- In Rome: Madrid have won five of six visits
- Both Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala have lost a Champions League final against Madrid
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Roma will be without first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who fractured a toe. Pierluigi Gollini keeps his place after a clean sheet against Como. Bryan Cristante remains a doubt with a knee problem, while Donyell Malen is available despite a domestic suspension.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen
Real Madrid are missing Éder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio through injury. Dean Huijsen is eligible after a domestic ban, while Vinicius Junior is free to play in Europe despite his La Liga suspension.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Rüdiger, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé
Ones to Watch
- Kylian Mbappé: At 27 years and 298 days, the Frenchman is set to become the youngest player in history to reach 100 Champions League appearances, beating Lionel Messi's record — a mark ironically set against Roma in 2015.
- Vinicius Junior: With 26 Champions League assists, he needs just one more to equal Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid club record.
- Donyell Malen: Roma's top scorer, fresh from red card heartbreak against Como, has a point to prove against the club that denied him European glory.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast across TNT Sports, HBO Max, Paramount+, DAZN and beIN Sports networks worldwide. For a quick way to follow every goal as it happens, use this link: https://livearenao.com/fp3guf0x
Prediction
Roma's collective spirit and a roaring Olimpico will make this far from comfortable for Madrid. But Los Blancos have won 20 of their last 22 matches against Italian clubs, and their individual quality in the final third looks decisive.
Roma 1-2 Real Madrid
Matchday Guide Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Roma vs Real Madrid |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League (League Phase, MD2) |
| Date | October 14, 2026 (Oct 15 in Asia) |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
| Prediction | Roma 1-2 Real Madrid |
Stay tuned to our UEFA Champions League coverage for live updates, full-time results and post-match reaction from Rome.