By Matt Smith
Mourinho departed Roma back in January 2024 after he was sacked, with the Italian side sitting in ninth position in the Serie A table. The experienced manager was seen in tears as he left the Roma training ground just over 18 months ago, and it will be a special evening for him as he returns.
It’s business as usual, though, for Real Madrid, as they focus on securing their second victory of the Champions League league phase stage.
The last time these two sides met in this competition was back in 2018, when Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Gareth Bale and Lucas Vázquez.
Team news
Bryan Cristante will be pushing for a return to the squad following a knee injury, but there’s no guarantee he’s fit enough to face Madrid. Roma will be without Mile Svilar between the sticks, which is a crucial blow for the Italian side.
Once again, Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raúl Asencio. Dean Huijsen will be available following his domestic suspension, but it remains to be seen whether he will start.
Roma must carry over domestic form
It’s been a bright start to the Serie A season for Roma, who sit in third position in the table after six games. They are yet to lose in the league, winning four times while drawing twice. They started in phenomenal fashion, winning four on the bounce, but they’ve drawn their last two league games – against champions Inter, and Como.
Roma have been one of the strongest defensive sides in Italy so far this season, and they’ll need that to continue against Madrid’s deadly attack. In their opening Champions League fixture, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid strong in attack
It’s no secret that Real Madrid have one of the best attacks in Europe. There are arguments to suggest it still hasn’t quite fully clicked for Mourinho’s side, but there is undoubtedly a ridiculous amount of quality in their forward line.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona are the only side to have created more expected goals than Real Madrid this season, though Mourinho’s men have produced a whopping 19.9 in just eight matches.
It’s going to be an interesting encounter against a strong defensive side in Roma.
Yan Diomande has arrived
It’s been a slow start to the season for Yan Diomande since his move to Madrid from RB Leipzig. The tricky winger hasn’t been a guaranteed starter under Mourinho this season, but he was given an opportunity to impress against Villarreal.
The 19-year-old created three chances and scored Madrid’s only goal in a 1-0 victory last time out. He’ll be looking to impress once again, and Mourinho must be tempted to give him another start in the Champions League.
Prediction
We’re expecting a tight game, but Madrid will edge it. 2-1 to the Spanish side.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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