Endrick Inspires Real Madrid’s Stunning 4-3 Comeback Against Roma

AS Roma were leading 3-1 at the Olympic Stadium until the 82nd minute. But by the final whistle, the scoreline had been turned on its head. Real Madrid scored three goals in just seven minutes to secure a remarkable 4-3 victory, with Brazilian teenager Endrick playing a crucial role after coming off the bench.

For followers of the Champions League, Real Madrid’s dramatic comebacks may come as little surprise. The Spanish giants have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to recover from seemingly hopeless situations, including matches in which they trail by two goals.

Real Madrid had previously come from two goals behind to beat Roma in 2004, Liverpool in 2023 and Borussia Dortmund in 2024. With this latest victory over Roma, the club added another chapter to its comeback history, setting a record for winning four Champions League matches after falling two goals behind.

Endrick Makes an Immediate Impact
Coach Jose Mourinho’s substitutions played a key role in the turnaround. Trailing 3-1, he brought on Endrick and Arda Güler in the 59th minute, replacing Vinícius and Dumfries. Eighteen minutes later, Carlos Espi came on for Diamonde. All three substitutes contributed to Real Madrid’s late goals, according to the report.

Endrick was particularly influential. In the 83rd minute, the Brazilian tested Roma goalkeeper Gollini, and Espi scored from the rebound. Endrick then found the net himself with a header, using his physical ability to get past Roma’s defenders.

It was only his second appearance for Real Madrid this season. Before that, he had played just four minutes. Yet he was named player of the match in his second outing. The performance was particularly noteworthy given reports that Roma are interested in signing him.

A Record-Breaking Comeback
Real Madrid completed their comeback in seven minutes and 43 seconds. According to the report, it was the fastest comeback victory by a team playing away from home after falling two goals behind in Champions League history.

After the match, Endrick spoke about the emotions he experienced while waiting on the bench. He said he had been talking to God when he noticed that he was being called to enter the game. He had not expected to be brought on so quickly, but was delighted to do what he loves most: play football.

Asked what Mourinho had told him before sending him onto the pitch, Endrick said Roma’s Malen scored another goal while he was speaking with the coach. Nevertheless, he stressed that Real Madrid always take the field ready to fight, regardless of the score. Their recovery from 3-1 down to win 4-3, he said, demonstrated that determination.

Mourinho Takes Responsibility for the First Half
Mourinho accepted responsibility for Real Madrid’s disappointing first-half performance. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he said the first half was the coach’s responsibility, while the players were responsible for the second.

He described football as a tactical contest lasting 90 minutes and praised Roma as an exceptionally strong opponent. Although he made substitutions to address the situation, he admitted that Roma had punished his team in the first half.

Vinícius, meanwhile, expressed frustration at being substituted, telling reporters that he did not understand the decision. Mourinho said the Brazilian’s disappointment was understandable, pointing to a lost ball that contributed to Roma’s second goal. He added that mistakes happen in football and that coaches make errors too. Despite his frustration, Vinícius was very happy with the victory after the match, Mourinho said.