Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Roma host Mourinho’s Real Madrid in first home Champions League game since 2019
Roma host Real Madrid in the Champions League at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET.
It is Roma’s first home Champions League match since 2019.
The game also marks José Mourinho’s return to the Olimpico for the first time since Roma sacked him in January 2024.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini said Mourinho deserves the recognition Roma fans will give him, but expects them to support their own team once play begins.
Gasperini said Roma should not change its style just because it faces Real Madrid, which he described as a dangerous team with great resources.
Roma are expected to start Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala in attack, while Bryan Cristante is unavailable through injury.
Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in their first home Champions League match since 2019.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CET on October 14, 2026.
It is José Mourinho’s first return to the Olimpico since Roma dismissed him in January 2024.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini said his team should not change its style for the match.
Gasperini said Real Madrid have the resources to win any game.
- Who
- Roma and Real Madrid, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini and José Mourinho respectively.
- What
- They are playing a Champions League match.
- When
- October 14, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET.
- Where
- Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gasperini spoke to reporters ahead of Roma’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Roma were scheduled to host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico, with kick-off set for 21:00 CET.
- Match
- Roma vs. Real Madrid
- Competition
- Champions League
- Venue
- Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Kick-off
- 21:00 CET
- Mourinho’s Roma departure
- January 2024
3 sources
Why Roma fans still revere Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho ahead of his emotional Champions League return
Champions League: Roma vs. Real Madrid – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV
“A Mourinho ruberei la capacità di farsi comprare campioni incredibili”: Gasperini accende la vigilia di Roma-Real Madrid
What people are saying
The empathy with which he manages to convince the owners to buy incredible champions
There was certainly an important love from the fans; he deserves all the recognition people will give him
I don’t think Roma should change its characteristics
It remains a very dangerous team capable of winning any match