Real Madrid, Roma Set for Champions League Clash

José Mourinho returns to Rome on Wednesday as Real Madrid’s coach, facing the club where he remains a beloved figure after winning the 2022 Europa Conference League and reaching the following season’s Europa League final. Roma are back in the Champions League after a lengthy absence, while Madrid are seeking another European win after an unconvincing start to the season despite beating Inter. Madrid’s domestic form has been uneven, and Mourinho has drawn attention for his complaints about refereeing, including after Vinícius Júnior’s dismissal in the team’s latest league match. History favors Madrid, who have won most of their meetings with Roma and have recently enjoyed a strong record in Italy, but the match is also a high-profile reunion with a manager who left a lasting mark on the Roman club and its supporters.