Roma – Real Madrid: Three Corners Masked Madrid’s Build-Up Problems (3-4)

Real Madrid’s late resurgence exposed Roma’s inability to defend set pieces under pressure. Despite leading 3-1 in the closing stages, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side conceded three goals from corners in just seven minutes. José Mourinho’s substitutions and Arda Güler’s deliveries turned an unlikely defeat into a remarkable victory.

Tactical analysis and match report by Mustafa Hassan.

AS Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Gian Piero Gasperini. Pierluigi Gollini started in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three. Nahuel Molina operated as the right wing-back, while Wesley França occupied the left flank. Marten de Roon and Manu Koné partnered in central midfield, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé positioned behind Donyell Malen, who led the line as the lone striker. Roma’s structure provided width through the wing-backs, while Dybala and Soulé operated between the lines to connect midfield with Malen in the final third.

Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under José Mourinho. Thibaut Courtois started in goal, behind a back four of Denzel Dumfries at right-back, Ibrahima Konaté and Antonio Rüdiger at centre-back, and Marc Cucurella at left-back.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde occupied central midfield, with Jude Bellingham operating further forward. Yan Diomande started on the right wing, Vinícius Júnior on the left, and Kylian Mbappé led the attack through the middle. Arda Güler and Endrick began on the bench, with both introduced as Mourinho sought to change the course of the match. The substitutions proved decisive, as all three late goals . . .