Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Roma: Endrick Shines as Rüdiger Seals Stunning 4–3 Comeback
Real Madrid produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat AS Roma 4–3 in the UEFA Champions League on October 14, 2026. After falling two goals behind in the second half, Madrid scored three times in the closing minutes to secure a dramatic victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
Antonio Rüdiger delivered the decisive moment with a late header, while substitutes Endrick, Arda Güler and Carlos Espí played crucial roles in transforming the match. Despite the victory, Real Madrid’s performance raised questions about defensive organization, midfield control and individual mistakes that allowed Roma to take command.
The result highlighted Madrid’s attacking depth and determination, but the team’s struggles for much of the contest showed that significant improvements remain necessary.
Endrick Leads Real Madrid’s Comeback
Endrick was the standout performer after entering the match from the bench. His direct running, movement and attacking aggression gave Real Madrid a different dimension when the team desperately needed a response.
The young Brazilian scored the equalizer with a header, completing a remarkable turnaround from a side that had appeared close to defeat. His performance earned him the official Man of the Match award, according to Managing Madrid’s player ratings.
Carlos Espí also made an important contribution by scoring the goal that began Madrid’s late comeback. His intervention reduced the deficit and restored belief among the visiting players.
Arda Güler proved equally influential. The Turkish midfielder brought composure to Madrid’s possession and delivered two assists, providing the creativity required to break through Roma’s defensive resistance.
Rüdiger then completed the comeback with the winning goal, capping a decisive contribution at both ends of the pitch.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Goalkeeper and Defense
Thibaut Courtois — 6/10
Courtois conceded three goals but was not considered solely responsible for Madrid’s defensive problems. He made four saves, including several important interventions, while defensive mistakes repeatedly exposed him to dangerous situations.
Denzel Dumfries — 3/10
Dumfries endured a difficult evening, struggling to maintain his defensive position and offering limited attacking support. His performance was one of the weakest in Madrid’s lineup.
Ibrahima Konaté — 6/10
Konaté handled a significant portion of Madrid’s buildup play but struggled with inconsistent passing options ahead of him. His performance improved when the midfield became more composed following the substitutions.
Antonio Rüdiger — 8/10
Rüdiger was Madrid’s defensive standout. He recorded seven clearances and scored the winning goal, demonstrating his importance in both penalty areas. His late header provided the decisive finish in a match that appeared to be slipping away.
Marc Cucurella — 5/10
Cucurella struggled against Roma’s overlapping attacking movements and often lacked sufficient defensive support. He also missed an important first-half opportunity when a pass toward Kylian Mbappé might have offered a better option.
Midfield and Attack
Federico Valverde — 6.5/10
Valverde had difficulty influencing the game consistently during the opening stages. However, he looked more comfortable after being moved to right-back, helping Madrid adjust its shape during the second half.
Aurélien Tchouaméni — 5/10
Tchouaméni struggled to provide the defensive stability Madrid needed. Careless possession and limited protection for the back line contributed to the team’s problems against Roma’s attacking pressure.
Yan Diomande — 7.5/10
Diomande became more dangerous after moving to the left flank. His dribbling, defensive work and assist helped Madrid create more attacking opportunities, making him one of the team’s more effective starters.
Jude Bellingham — 5/10
Bellingham worked hard defensively and showed occasional quality in possession, but he struggled to impose his usual influence on the contest. Madrid needed greater control from its midfield during the periods when Roma dominated.
Vinícius Júnior — 2/10
Vinícius endured a particularly disappointing performance. A careless flick in midfield contributed to Roma’s second goal, leaving Madrid vulnerable during a crucial stage of the match. His display highlighted the importance of decision-making when playing under pressure.
Kylian Mbappé — 6/10
Mbappé scored Madrid’s first goal and remained a threat in attack. However, inconsistent touches during the first half limited his influence. He found more space later in the game, helping Madrid maintain pressure on Roma.
Substitutes Change the Game
Endrick — 8.5/10
Endrick was Madrid’s most influential substitute. His movement down the right created new attacking options, while his headed equalizer demonstrated excellent timing and determination. He transformed the team’s attacking rhythm and earned the highest rating among Madrid’s players.
Arda Güler — 8/10
Güler brought intelligence and composure to Madrid’s buildup. His two assists were central to the comeback, while his delivery from set pieces created additional problems for Roma’s defense.
Bernardo Silva — 7/10
Silva improved Madrid’s ability to retain possession and connect midfield with attack. His composure helped the team become more organized during the closing stages.
Carlos Espí — 7.5/10
Espí scored the crucial goal that launched Madrid’s comeback. His contribution gave the visitors renewed momentum and helped set up the dramatic finish.
Álvaro Carreras — 6.5/10
Carreras played a quieter role, concentrating on maintaining his position and providing defensive cover. His disciplined approach helped reduce Roma’s opportunities to counterattack.
Roma Take Advantage Before Madrid Responds
Roma initially made life difficult for Madrid through aggressive attacking play and repeated attempts from distance. The hosts opened the scoring through Marten de Roon before Mbappé restored parity in the first half.
Donyell Malen then struck twice after the break, putting Roma in a commanding position at 3–1. Madrid’s defensive organization deteriorated during this period, and Vinícius’ mistake contributed to the hosts extending their advantage.
For much of the second half, Roma appeared capable of securing a major Champions League victory. Madrid struggled to create consistent chances and lacked the control needed to prevent the hosts from exploiting spaces.
The substitutions changed the match’s direction. Endrick and Güler added energy and creativity, while Espí provided the first breakthrough in the late comeback. Endrick subsequently equalized before Rüdiger completed the turnaround.
What the Result Means for Real Madrid
The victory demonstrated Madrid’s ability to recover under pressure, but the performance should not obscure the defensive weaknesses that allowed Roma to score three times.
Rüdiger’s contribution offered defensive leadership and a decisive goal, while Endrick’s emergence as an effective substitute provided a major positive. Güler also strengthened his case for a more influential role after producing two assists in a high-pressure European match.
Madrid’s coaching staff will nevertheless need to address the team’s midfield structure, defensive coverage and vulnerability to turnovers. Against stronger opponents, similar mistakes could prove more costly.
For Roma, the defeat will be difficult to accept after holding a two-goal second-half advantage. The hosts demonstrated their attacking threat but failed to maintain their defensive concentration during the decisive final minutes.
Ultimately, Real Madrid left Rome with three valuable points and a memorable comeback. Endrick’s impact, Güler’s creativity and Rüdiger’s winning header defined the evening, while the struggles of several established starters provided a reminder that the team still has work to do.
Final verdict: Real Madrid showed championship-level resilience but not consistent control. The substitutes made the difference, Rüdiger delivered the decisive moment, and Endrick emerged as the night’s biggest winner.
