AS Roma vs Real Madrid: Champions League Preview

AS Roma vs Real Madrid is the headline European fixture in Italy this week, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma hosting Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Kick-off is at 22:00 South African time, a 21:00 start in Rome, as both clubs look to build on contrasting opening results in this season’s Champions League league phase.

It is a rare current meeting between two clubs with a long history in this competition, and South African fans following the Champions League predictions market will want the full picture before midweek kick-off.

When is AS Roma vs Real Madrid and what time is kick-off?

AS Roma vs Real Madrid kicks off on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, with kick-off at 22:00 SAST (21:00 local time) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The fixture is confirmed on Roma’s own published Champions League schedule as the second of their eight league-phase matches this season.

What is Roma’s form going into the Real Madrid game?

Roma arrive on a run of draws that has kept them unbeaten but without much momentum. Gasperini’s side drew 0-0 away at Como in their last outing, having also drawn 2-2 at home to Inter and 1-1 away at Fenerbahce in their Champions League opener. Their only win in that stretch was a 2-0 success at Torino, sandwiched between a home victory over Atalanta and those three draws.

That form leaves Roma 17th in the 36-team league-phase table after collecting a single point from their opening match, so a positive result against Real Madrid would be a significant lift before the table narrows later in the competition.

What is Real Madrid’s form going into the game?

Real Madrid travel to Rome in strong form, despite a derby defeat to Atletico Madrid along the way. Mourinho’s side beat Villarreal 1-0 at home in their most recent La Liga outing, following wins over Rayo Vallecano (4-1) and Inter in their Champions League opener (2-1). The only blemish in that run was a 2-1 loss at Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid sit 14th in the league-phase table on three points after matchday one, the same points total as Roma’s opponents in several other fixtures this round, which keeps the table tight heading into matchday two.

What is the history between Roma and Real Madrid?

Roma and Real Madrid have met several times in the Champions League, most memorably in the 2018-19 round of 16, when Real Madrid won both legs to eliminate the Italian side. They also met in the 2015-16 group stage, with Real Madrid winning both of those fixtures too. Roma are yet to beat Real Madrid in their last five meetings in this competition, a run this current side will be looking to end on home soil.

What changes have both clubs made under their new head coaches?

Both sides go into this match under head coaches who only took charge this year. Roma appointed Gian Piero Gasperini in the close season after his long spell at Atalanta, handing him a contract through 2028, and he has leaned on a back three and high defensive line similar to the one he ran in Bergamo. Real Madrid, meanwhile, replaced Alvaro Arbeloa with Jose Mourinho in June 2026, with the Portuguese coach returning to a club he previously managed. The adjustment period under a new coach helps explain why both sides have shown flashes of quality without yet putting together a long unbeaten run in this competition.

How does this match affect the Champions League table?

With both sides sitting in the bottom half of the 36-team standings after one round, a win for either side would be an important early step toward the automatic qualification places. A Roma win would lift Gasperini’s side well clear of the relegation zone for the knockout play-off round, while a Real Madrid win would move Mourinho’s side closer to the top eight. Roma’s official schedule shows this is followed by a home game against Slovan Bratislava, so Gasperini will want points on the board before that fixture too.

It is one of several Champions League matchday two ties on Wednesday; see our Bodo/Glimt vs Borussia Dortmund preview for another of the night’s games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Roma vs Real Madrid kick-off in South Africa?

Kick-off is at 22:00 South African Standard Time (SAST) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, which is 21:00 local time in Rome.

Where is Roma vs Real Madrid being played?

The match is played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Roma’s home stadium.

Who are the head coaches for Roma and Real Madrid?

Gian Piero Gasperini is Roma’s head coach, while Real Madrid are managed by Jose Mourinho.

Have Roma ever beaten Real Madrid in the Champions League?

Not in their last five Champions League meetings. Real Madrid won both legs of their 2018-19 round of 16 tie and both group matches in 2015-16.

Roma’s own published league-phase schedule confirms the Real Madrid fixture and the games either side of it. Follow the wider European picture on our Champions League predictions hub, and catch up on City’s midweek test in our Manchester City vs PSG preview.