AS Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in UEFA Champions League league-phase Matchday 2. Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST. Roma opened with a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe, while Madrid beat Inter 2–1 in their first league-phase fixture.
José Mourinho returns to Rome as Real Madrid coach to face Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The fixture brings together Roma’s unbeaten early-season run and Madrid’s stronger historical record in this matchup.
Roma vs Real Madrid match details
| Detail | Confirmed match information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 |
| Stage | League phase — Matchday 2 |
| Date | Wednesday, 14 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 21:00 SAST |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Status | Pre-match at time of revision |
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Recent form: Roma vs Real Madrid
Roma drew 1–1 away to Fenerbahçe in their first Champions League outing. Real Madrid’s official pre-match assessment described Gasperini’s side as unbeaten through seven competitive matches, with four wins and three draws. That start gives Roma a relevant form reference without suggesting a result is certain.
Madrid defeated Inter 2–1 on Matchday 1, collecting three points ahead of their trip to Rome. These opening European results are more informative for this fixture than broad claims about either club’s pedigree.
| Team | Champions League MD1 | Points after MD1 |
| Roma | Fenerbahçe 1–1 Roma | 1 |
| Real Madrid | Real Madrid 2–1 Inter | 3 |
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Roma and Real Madrid team news and injuries
Roma’s selection concerns include reports around goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Bryan Cristante. Reports have discussed Pierluigi Gollini as a potential goalkeeper option and Martin de Roon as a midfield alternative; neither selection should be treated as confirmed. Verify their current status against the clubs’ latest announcements before publication.
Roma’s attacking options have included Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Madrid’s potential threats include Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, with Aurélien Tchouaméni providing an important option in midfield. Availability and involvement must be checked against the latest official team updates.
Possible lineups: Roma vs Real Madrid
Neither starting XI is confirmed in the information available for this revision. A full predicted XI is intentionally withheld rather than inventing positions or presenting uncertain player availability as fact. Once reliable lineups are published, present the two teams side by side with formations, citing the source and time of update.
For final starting XIs, substitutions, match events and live statistics, use SportPesa Score.
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Roma vs Real Madrid head-to-head (H2H)
UEFA’s Champions League history lists 12 previous meetings: eight Real Madrid wins, three Roma wins and one draw. Madrid have scored 24 goals to Roma’s nine. The latest previous meetings came in 2018/19, when Madrid won 3–0 at home and 2–0 in Rome.
| H2H measure | UEFA Champions League record |
| Real Madrid wins | 8 |
| Roma wins | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Goals | Real Madrid 24; Roma 9 |
Roma also beat Madrid 2–1 in both legs of their 2007/08 round-of-16 tie. Historical results provide context, not a prediction of what will happen on 14 October.
Key Roma vs Real Madrid match statistics
| Metric | Roma | Real Madrid |
| Champions League MD1 result | 1–1 vs Fenerbahçe | 2–1 vs Inter |
| Points after MD1 | 1 | 3 |
| Historical UCL H2H wins | 3 | 8 |
| Historical UCL H2H goals | 9 | 24 |
These figures reflect the named competitions and periods; they are not live form or current betting odds. Updated league-phase positions and match statistics belong on SportPesa Score.
Key players to watch
Roma’s forward options make movement behind Madrid’s defence and the creation of space between midfield and the back line important. Dybala and Soulé, if selected, could influence possession in advanced areas, while Malen offers movement toward goal.
For Madrid, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior can threaten open space, while Tchouaméni’s positioning may matter when Roma press. The exact personnel and roles depend on the confirmed lineups.
Tactical battle: Roma’s shape vs Madrid’s transitions
Roma’s possible three-defender setup would demand coordinated defensive coverage from wing-backs and midfielders. Madrid may find opportunities if spaces appear during Roma’s attacks. Equally, Roma can look to attack the areas left behind Madrid’s advancing players. Set pieces and recovery of second balls could shape how frequently either team creates clear chances.
Referee, where to watch and live match information in South Africa
Kick-off is 21:00 SAST at Stadio Olimpico. The referee and South African broadcaster were not independently established for this revision, so no names are claimed. Confirm local viewing rights against the broadcaster’s schedule before adding a TV or streaming recommendation.
SportPesa Score is the destination for confirmed lineups, live scores, match events and current Champions League standings. This article provides the pre-match context rather than an unverified live feed.
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Roma vs Real Madrid prediction, analysis and odds
Madrid’s historical record favours them in this pairing, but Roma’s unbeaten early-season form and home venue give the current encounter a different context. Key questions include Roma’s ability to protect space during transitions, Madrid’s progression through midfield and the impact of any late changes to the starting teams.
Readers who want to assess the available soccer options can visit SportPesa South Africa soccer markets. Match-specific markets and prices depend on availability. The analysis here does not recommend a winner, score or betting selection.
Frequently asked questions
When is Roma vs Real Madrid? Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 21:00 SAST.
Where is Roma vs Real Madrid being played? At Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Who leads the Roma vs Real Madrid Champions League H2H? Real Madrid lead with eight wins, versus three for Roma and one draw.
Are confirmed lineups available? Not in the verified pre-match information used for this revision; check final team sheets near kick-off.
Conclusion
Roma’s early-season resilience meets Real Madrid’s Champions League experience at Stadio Olimpico. Midfield control and defensive transitions will be central, while SportPesa Score provides confirmed lineups, the live score and match developments for South African supporters.