Real Madrid Comeback Stuns Roma as Mourinho Enjoys Happy Reunion

 14 October 2026, Italy, Rome: Real Madrid's Endrick (L) celebrates scoring his side's third goal with teammate Antonio Rudiger during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between AS Roma and Real Madrid CF at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. (dpa)
14 October 2026, Italy, Rome: Real Madrid's Endrick (L) celebrates scoring his side's third goal with teammate Antonio Rudiger during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between AS Roma and Real Madrid CF at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. (dpa)
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Real Madrid Comeback Stuns Roma as Mourinho Enjoys Happy Reunion

 14 October 2026, Italy, Rome: Real Madrid's Endrick (L) celebrates scoring his side's third goal with teammate Antonio Rudiger during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between AS Roma and Real Madrid CF at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. (dpa)
14 October 2026, Italy, Rome: Real Madrid's Endrick (L) celebrates scoring his side's third goal with teammate Antonio Rudiger during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between AS Roma and Real Madrid CF at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. (dpa)

Jose Mourinho enjoyed a Roma reunion to remember as Real Madrid completed an astonishing comeback by scoring three late goals to claim a 4-3 away win in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Marten de Roon gave the hosts a deserved opener before Kylian Mbappe struck back on his 100th Champions League appearance to level the scores at the break.

Two Donyell Malen strikes in the space of six minutes early in the second half seemed to take the game away from the 15-time European champions as Roma ran rampant.

But Real scored three goals in the final six minutes, all stemming from corners, to turn the game on its head as Carlos Espi, Endrick and ex-Roma defender Antonio Rudiger struck at a stunned Stadio Olimpico.

Mourinho was a popular figure as he led Roma to the UEFA Conference League title and Europa League final during two-and-a-half years in charge.

The Portuguese was honored with banners and chants by the home crowd in Roma's first home Champions League match in more than seven years, and the hosts started strongly as Mario Hermoso forced Thibaut Courtois into a flying fingertip save.

Roma took a deserved lead when De Roon swept a shot past Courtois from 25 yards in the 20th minute, and almost doubled it when Malen's powerful shot squirmed under Courtois before being plucked off the line.

However, one costly moment of switching off proved enough to send them back to square one within five minutes of the opener being scored.

Hermoso misjudged an interception to allow Mbappe a clear run at goal and the France striker's deflected shot flew into the roof of the net to level the scores with Real's first meaningful chance of the game.

Mbappe marked his Champions League centurion status, something he is the youngest player to achieve aged 27, with his 72nd tournament goal - one that moved him into the all-time top five ahead of Real legend Raul Gonzalez.

The equalizer appeared to subdue Roma and steady Mourinho's men, who twice threatened a second before the break as Marc Cucurella and Jude Bellingham came close.

- Roma take game to Madrid -

But Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini insisted pre-match that Roma would not compromise on their full-throttle style regardless of opposition, and he was true to his word as they came out firing after the break.

Roma quickly re-took the lead when half-time substitute Rodrigo Mora fed the ball to Malen, who finished brilliantly by taking the ball in his stride with his first touch and lifting it over Courtois with his second.

Things got even better for the Italians just six minutes later when Malen raced onto a through ball to power home his second, given following a VAR review after initially being flagged for offside.

Real looked for a response as Mbappe twice tested Pierluigi Gollini, before having his second goal of the night ruled out for offside.

But set-pieces proved to be the key to unlock the Roma defense, as Espi tucked home a close-range rebound from a header to pull one back before Endrick powered home a header from another corner just two minutes later.

The final blow was struck by Rudiger in the 90th minute, the defender getting in front of his marker to guide home a close-range finish and complete an extraordinary turnaround.

The result leaves Real Madrid with six points from their opening two league phase matches, while Roma are on one point.



Leipzig’s Demichelis Relishing City Clash with ‘Best Friend’ Maresca

Argentinian coach Martin Demichelis addresses a press conference at the training grounds of German first division Bundesliga football club RB Leipzig on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in Leipzig, eastern Germany on November 3, 2026. (AFP)
Argentinian coach Martin Demichelis addresses a press conference at the training grounds of German first division Bundesliga football club RB Leipzig on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in Leipzig, eastern Germany on November 3, 2026. (AFP)
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Leipzig’s Demichelis Relishing City Clash with ‘Best Friend’ Maresca

Argentinian coach Martin Demichelis addresses a press conference at the training grounds of German first division Bundesliga football club RB Leipzig on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in Leipzig, eastern Germany on November 3, 2026. (AFP)
Argentinian coach Martin Demichelis addresses a press conference at the training grounds of German first division Bundesliga football club RB Leipzig on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in Leipzig, eastern Germany on November 3, 2026. (AFP)

RB Leipzig coach Martin Demichelis said it was an "honor" to face long-time friend and Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash.

Demichelis, 45, and Maresca were neighbors during their time playing together at Malaga and the Leipzig coach said Tuesday he considered the Italian as his "brother".

"I know Enzo very well -- he's one of my best friends in football. I'd say we're almost like brothers," Demichelis said Tuesday.

"We lived together -- or rather, right next door to each other -- in Spain. I'm familiar with his philosophy, his ideas.

"Our kids grew up together. Early on as players, we both wanted to become coaches.

"We started the journey together. He's very intelligent and pragmatic and it'll be an honor to take the pitch with him tomorrow."

The Argentinian, who took over in Saxony in the summer, said Maresca had called him on Monday trying to get the inside scoop of Leipzig's likely starting XI.

"Enzo is a winner. He'll be doing everything he can to win titles with Manchester City," Demichelis added.

"There was a lot of interest in my line-up when we spoke yesterday. We think very much alike when it comes to football...

"Enzo wants to know our line-up. I won't say anything. He'll find out tomorrow."

Demichelis spent three seasons at Manchester City, winning the 2013-14 Premier League title and two League Cups during the period the club were found guilty of having broken financial rules.

The coach said the looming penalties and the potential of having his titles stripped did not concern him.

"I spent three fantastic years there, but it was a long time ago," Demichelis said.

"(The charges are) not interesting, it's a long time ago, football has changed.

"I'm the coach of RB Leipzig and all I want tomorrow is a good game from RB Leipzig."


Saliba Back in Training with Arsenal After Being Out Injured Since the World Cup

UEFA Champions League - Arsenal Training - Arsenal Training Centre, London Colney, Britain - November 3, 2026 Arsenal's William Saliba during training. (Reuters)
UEFA Champions League - Arsenal Training - Arsenal Training Centre, London Colney, Britain - November 3, 2026 Arsenal's William Saliba during training. (Reuters)
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Saliba Back in Training with Arsenal After Being Out Injured Since the World Cup

UEFA Champions League - Arsenal Training - Arsenal Training Centre, London Colney, Britain - November 3, 2026 Arsenal's William Saliba during training. (Reuters)
UEFA Champions League - Arsenal Training - Arsenal Training Centre, London Colney, Britain - November 3, 2026 Arsenal's William Saliba during training. (Reuters)

William Saliba has returned to full training at Arsenal, 3½ months after his last game — in the World Cup semifinals for France.

Saliba has been out of action with a back injury that didn't require surgery but an extended period of rehabilitation, Arsenal said in July.

The center back took part in a training session on Tuesday, a day before Arsenal's Champions League match at Slavia Prague.

Saliba hasn't played since being substituted out of France's 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain at the World Cup during the first half.

Saliba has struck up an impressive, yearslong center-back partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes that was key to Arsenal winning the Premier League title last season.

However, despite his ball-playing qualities and excellent reading of the game, Saliba might not be rushed back into the first team by manager Mikel Arteta.

That's because the man who has replaced Saliba for the start of this season — summer signing Ezri Konsa — has put in a slew of strong performances so far and Arteta might not be ready to break up the Konsa-Gabriel combination just yet.

One option could be to switch Konsa to right back, where he occasionally has played for former club Aston Villa and England. Arteta also has Jurrien Timber and Ben White as options at right back.


West Ham Sack Head Coach Nuno After Poor Start to Championship Season

11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
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West Ham Sack Head Coach Nuno After Poor Start to Championship Season

11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)

West Ham sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on Tuesday after a disappointing start to the Championship season.

The 52-year-old Portuguese manager oversaw the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League last season but stayed with the London club.

Many viewed them as favorites to win automatic promotion back to the top flight but they are currently eighth in the second-tier table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough, after 13 games.

West Ham had a good run after a shaky start to the season but have lost their past two league games, against Southampton and West Brom.

Nuno, who previously managed Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, was appointed in September last year but was unable to keep West Ham in the Premier League.

"West Ham United can confirm that men's first-team head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has left his position with immediate effect," the club said in a statement.

"Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the club's objectives and expectations remain on track."

Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.

West Ham said the process of recruiting a new head coach was already under way.