Real Madrid returned to their favorite competition, the UEFA Champions League, in quite a difficult context, after suffering the demoralizing defeat to Atletico Madrid and the hard-fought, controversial win over Villarreal. The Merengues faced the Italian side AS Roma in their second League Phase game , and snatched a 3-4 comeback win in the very final moments of the game.

Jose Mourinho did not address the press after the game against Villarreal, but returned to the press room following this memorable win. As MARCA has reported, he analyzed the win against Roma and commented on some of the questions raised about his lineup and the players’ performances.

The Portuguese coach admitted that he was surprised by the hosts’ approach to the game, but ultimately, he knew how to get a result:

“I don’t entirely agree with Fede. They set up differently from any other team we have faced so far, or any of the teams we had analysed. They attacked us with three players down the right flank, so that is where we made our adjustments. Then we conceded a goal that we simply cannot afford to concede. We cannot do what we did in midfield.

After that, it was a kind of rebellion, so to speak, but an organised, emotional one. I know perfectly well how Gasperini’s teams play, and they surprised us. But there are no miracles in football; it is impossible to maintain that intensity for 90 minutes.”

The Real Madrid tactician commented on his reaction to going two goals down in the second half:

“We experienced two different games. In the first, Roma were superior in every aspect. In the final 20 minutes, it was impossible to stop Madrid. The second goal we conceded was ridiculous and unworthy of this level. We made changes thinking that it no longer mattered whether we conceded four or five goals.”

Endrick was one of the main protagonists who helped turn the game around, and Mourinho ruled out his departure: