Mourinho: Real Madrid Were Unstoppable In Final 20 Minutes Against Roma

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has described his side’s dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Roma as a game of two halves, admitting the Spanish giants became unstoppable during the final 20 minutes.

Roma appeared on course for victory after taking control of the Champions League encounter, but Real Madrid scored three times in the closing eight minutes to snatch all three points.

Mourinho acknowledged Roma’s superiority for much of the contest, explaining that his side initially struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking threat, particularly Matías Soulé on the flank.

‘It was two matches in one: one where Roma were superior in every aspect, and the final 20 minutes where Real Madrid were unstoppable,’ Mourinho said.

‘They caught us off guard at the start of the match with Soulé on the flank, creating a numerical advantage that was hard to stop.’

The Real Madrid coach said Roma appeared to have the game under control after extending their advantage to 3-1, but the momentum shifted as the Italian side tired.

‘In the second half, just as we had settled into our rhythm, we conceded a second; at 3-1, everyone thought we were done for, but then it was they who ended up tiring,’ he said.

‘It is difficult for Roma to maintain that style of play for the full 90 minutes, and in the closing stages, they found it impossible to stop our attacks.’

Mourinho also praised Endrick, who was named Player of the Match after playing a decisive role in Real Madrid’s remarkable turnaround.

The Brazilian helped spark the comeback before Antonio Rüdiger completed the turnaround, and Mourinho insisted he had always believed in the forward’s ability.

‘I know the talent he possesses; I said yesterday, too, that he would stay with us and that we would develop him,’ Mourinho said.

‘The Roma defenders were tired and couldn’t stop him, especially after 70 minutes against [Yan] Diomandé.’