Roma 3-4 Real Madrid: Player Ratings After Epic Comeback

Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 in the UEFA Champions League, turning a two-goal deficit into a dramatic victory at the Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026.

Trailing 3-1 late in the match, Madrid scored three times in a stunning seven-minute spell to secure all three points. Substitute Carlos Espí started the comeback, Endrick equalized with a powerful header, and Antonio Rüdiger completed the turnaround with a decisive finish in the closing minutes.

The result highlighted Real Madrid’s attacking depth and resilience, but the performance also exposed defensive weaknesses that allowed Roma to threaten throughout much of the contest.

Endrick earned the highest player rating for his influential appearance off the bench, while Rüdiger delivered at both ends of the pitch. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior endured a difficult evening and received the lowest rating among Madrid’s starting players.

Roma 3-4 Real Madrid: Match Summary

Roma began aggressively, testing Madrid’s defensive organization with shots from distance and forcing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into action.

The Italian side took the lead through Marten de Roon in the 20th minute. Kylian Mbappé responded five minutes later, bringing Madrid level with a finish that gave the visitors renewed confidence.

However, Madrid struggled to control the contest after halftime. Donyell Malen scored twice in the second half, putting Roma 3-1 ahead and leaving the Spanish giants facing a potentially damaging defeat.

Madrid’s response came through its substitutes. Espí scored in the 83rd minute, Endrick equalized two minutes later, and Rüdiger struck in the 90th minute to complete an extraordinary turnaround.

Arda Güler played a crucial role in the recovery, providing assists for both Espí and Endrick before delivering the set piece that led to Rüdiger’s winning goal.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Thibaut Courtois — 6/10

Courtois conceded three goals, but Madrid’s defensive mistakes left him exposed on several occasions. He made four saves, including interventions that prevented Roma from extending their advantage. His distribution was less convincing, and the team’s limited passing options made it difficult to build attacks from the back.

Denzel Dumfries — 3/10

Dumfries struggled throughout the match. He was frequently caught out of position, looked uncomfortable under pressure and offered little attacking support. His performance reflected Madrid’s broader difficulties in defending Roma’s dangerous wide attacks.

Ibrahima Konaté — 6/10

Konaté played an important role in Madrid’s buildup but experienced an inconsistent evening. Some of his passes helped move the ball forward, while others created unnecessary problems. He looked more comfortable after Bernardo Silva and Güler entered the match and improved Madrid’s possession structure.

Antonio Rüdiger — 8/10

Rüdiger was one of Madrid’s decisive performers. He scored the winning goal and recorded seven clearances, combining defensive contributions with a crucial attacking moment. His late finish completed a comeback that appeared unlikely just minutes earlier.

Marc Cucurella — 5/10

Cucurella struggled against Roma’s attacking combinations, particularly when opponents created numerical advantages around his position. He received limited defensive support and also missed a promising first-half opportunity when a pass to Mbappé might have been the better option.

Federico Valverde — 6.5/10

Valverde had difficulty helping Madrid control the midfield during the opening period. However, his performance improved after he moved to right-back. The positional adjustment gave Madrid greater balance and helped the team respond more effectively to Roma’s attacks.

Aurélien Tchouaméni — 5/10

Tchouaméni struggled to provide the defensive protection Madrid needed. Careless possession and insufficient support on the left contributed to the team’s problems. He was unable to establish the control required to prevent Roma from creating dangerous situations.

Yan Diomande — 7.5/10

Diomande became more influential after moving to the left side in the second half. He recorded an assist, completed six dribbles and made five interceptions. His ability to beat defenders and recover possession helped Madrid generate more attacking momentum.

Jude Bellingham — 5/10

Bellingham showed occasional quality on the ball and worked hard to press opponents and track runners. Nevertheless, he struggled to impose his usual influence on the game. Madrid needed greater control and creativity from midfield during the periods when Roma dominated.

Vinícius Júnior — 2/10

Vinícius endured a disappointing performance. His careless flick in midfield contributed directly to Roma’s second goal, leaving Madrid in a difficult position. Although he remains one of the team’s most dangerous attackers, his decision-making and execution fell below expectations on this occasion.

Kylian Mbappé — 6/10

Mbappé scored Madrid’s important first-half goal and found better attacking positions after the break. However, his touch and execution were inconsistent early in the match. His goal helped keep Madrid competitive, even as the team struggled to establish sustained control.

Real Madrid Substitutes Make the Difference

Endrick — 8.5/10

Endrick delivered the standout performance from the bench. His movement on the right gave Madrid a different attacking dimension, and his powerful header brought the score to 3-3. He earned the official Man of the Match award after transforming the momentum of the contest.

Arda Güler — 8/10

Güler brought composure and creativity to Madrid’s buildup. His two assists were crucial to the comeback, while his delivery from set pieces repeatedly troubled Roma. His introduction helped the visitors attack with greater purpose and precision.

Bernardo Silva — 7/10

Silva improved Madrid’s possession and defensive organization after entering the match. His ability to retain the ball and connect teammates helped reduce the pressure Roma had created during the second half.

Álvaro Carreras — 6.5/10

Carreras played a quieter role, concentrating on maintaining his position and providing defensive cover. His contribution helped Madrid become more secure as the game entered its decisive stages.

Carlos Espí — 7.5/10

Espí gave Madrid the breakthrough it needed. His goal in the 83rd minute reignited the comeback and changed the atmosphere of the contest. His willingness to attack dangerous areas made him an effective substitute.

What Madrid Must Improve Next

The victory demonstrated Madrid’s ability to respond under pressure, but it should not hide the problems that emerged during the match.

Roma found space in dangerous areas, while Madrid struggled to maintain possession and protect its defensive line. Against more clinical opponents, those weaknesses could prove costly.

The coaching staff will need to improve midfield support, defensive coordination and the team’s ability to control matches before they reach a crisis point.

At the same time, the impact of Endrick, Güler and Espí offers encouraging signs. Madrid’s substitutes changed the game through movement, technical quality and decisive finishing.

The 4-3 victory will be remembered for its extraordinary conclusion. Yet Madrid’s next challenge is to combine that attacking resilience with greater defensive consistency.

If the team can achieve that balance, the comeback in Rome could become more than a memorable European night. It could provide an important lesson in how Madrid must perform to compete for major trophies.