Real’s incredible comeback in 7 minutes and 43 seconds: they overturn a 3–1 deficit to beat Roma 4–3.

Until the 82nd minute, AS Roma were leading 3–1. But by the final whistle, the scoreline would have come as a shock—Real Madrid scored three goals in just 7 minutes and 43 seconds to defeat Roma 4–3!

Such dramatic comebacks are nothing new for Real Madrid in the Champions League; the Spanish club is well-known for overturning two-goal deficits to win matches. As Roma fans left the stadium in disappointment, they might well have thought: "This is just how Real Madrid wins!"

History bears this out. Real Madrid has secured victories after trailing by two goals against Roma (2004), Liverpool (2023), Borussia Dortmund (2024), and now, once again, against Roma. They have become the first team in Champions League history to overcome a two-goal deficit and win in four separate matches.

Substitutions by Mourinho turn the match around

Coach José Mourinho’s tactical decisions played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s comeback. With the team trailing 3–1, he brought on Endrick and Arda Güler in the 59th minute, replacing Vinícius Júnior and Denzel Dumfries. Later, in the 77th minute, Carlos Espi was introduced in place of Diamande.

All three of these substitutes contributed to the three goals Real Madrid scored in the closing stages.

Endrick, in particular, was outstanding. In the 83rd minute, the young Brazilian forced a save from Roma goalkeeper Gollini, and Espi scored from the rebound. Shortly after, Endrick himself found the net with a header, slipping past the Roma defenders.

This was only his second appearance for Real Madrid this season—he had previously played just four minutes. Yet, in this second outing, he delivered such a pivotal performance that he was named Man of the Match—and that too against an opponent who had shown interest in signing him! ‘I was talking to God’

Reflecting on his feelings after the match, Endrick’s words revealed a blend of faith and self-confidence.

The Brazilian striker said, “The emotions of the match are still with me. I was sitting on the bench, talking to God. Then I looked over and saw Nuno calling me. I stepped onto the pitch and continued my conversation with God—I hadn’t expected to be brought on so soon. Once on the field, I was able to do what I love most: play football.”

Endrick also touched upon what Mourinho said to him before he entered the pitch. He shared, “While I was speaking with Mourinho, I saw that Malen (of Roma) had scored another goal. But we are Real Madrid; regardless of the score, we always step onto the pitch to fight. The way we turned a 3–1 deficit into a 4–3 victory proves that we will keep fighting.”

This comeback by Real Madrid did more than just change the match result—it earned a place in Champions League history. The team set a precedent by staging such a rapid turnaround to win after trailing by two goals away from home.

Mourinho takes responsibility for the first half

Mourinho took the blame for the team’s failure to perform as expected during the first half. The match carried extra emotional weight, given that Roma is his former club. However, he managed to shift the momentum in the second half through the effective use of substitutes.

In the post-match press conference, the Portuguese coach remarked, “The first half is on the coach; the second half is on the players. Football is a 90-minute tactical battle. The opponent matters, and tonight, they were incredibly strong. I made substitutions as needed, but in the first half, they truly made us pay.” Vinícius’s Discontent, Mourinho’s Explanation

Vinícius Júnior expressed his dissatisfaction after being substituted during the match, telling reporters that he did not understand the coach’s decision. Mourinho, however, believes it is only natural for a player to feel frustrated in such a situation.

The Real Madrid coach remarked, “It’s tough for Vini. He lost a ball—one he really shouldn’t have lost (in the build-up to Roma’s second goal)—but things like that happen in a game. I make mistakes, too. It’s understandable that he felt upset, but by the end of the match, he was absolutely delighted with the win.”

This victory against Roma serves as a reminder that it is never wise to write off Real Madrid until the final whistle blows. Regardless of how unfavorable the scoreline may be, the club’s greatest strength remains its unwavering belief in its ability to stage a comeback.