Real Madrid’s 4-3 Comeback Against Roma Leaves Jose Mourinho Facing Familiar Questions
Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Roma delivered goals and late-match excitement, but the result did little to ease concerns about Jose Mourinho’s team. Beneath the comeback, familiar weaknesses remained: Madrid struggled to regain possession, allowed Roma to play through their pressure and failed to control long stretches of the contest.
Former Real Madrid player and analyst Alvaro Benito believes the performance was more than a one-off wobble. Speaking on El Larguero on Cadena SER, he warned that the same problems could surface again unless the team changes how it defends—especially when facing opponents capable of keeping the ball under pressure.
For supporters looking beyond the scoreline, the match offered a troubling prediction: Madrid may continue to win against less demanding opposition, but elite teams could exploit the gaps more ruthlessly. The comeback was valuable, yet it did not answer the bigger question of whether Mourinho’s side can consistently impose its style on major opponents.
Roma Expose Madrid’s Problems Without the Ball
Roma circulated possession confidently and found routes through Madrid’s press, repeatedly forcing the home side to retreat. Benito said the pattern looked increasingly predictable, cautioning that the same weaknesses would produce similar problems if the team’s approach did not change.
“It is a predictable death scenario,” he said, arguing that opponents with strong technical ability can make it exceptionally difficult to recover the ball. When a team allows its rivals to advance towards goal too easily, the danger grows—particularly against clubs with the quality to turn possession into clear chances.
The issue is not simply whether Madrid’s defenders can make tackles or whether the midfield can close space. Pressing is a collective task. If the first line fails to apply pressure at the right time, opponents can play around it and expose the players behind. That leaves the defence facing attacks before the midfield has had a chance to reset.
Madrid’s comeback demonstrated the team’s attacking resilience, but a high-scoring win can also obscure structural concerns. Scoring four goals is not a reliable solution if the side repeatedly concedes opportunities. Against top European opposition, a similar defensive display could be much harder to recover from.
Valverde and Tchouameni Need Support From the Front Line
Benito’s criticism extended beyond tactical adjustments and selection decisions. He focused on the commitment required from attacking players when possession is lost, stressing that defensive work is part of every professional footballer’s responsibilities—not an optional extra for midfielders and defenders.
Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were among the players discussed. The pair can provide energy, ball-winning ability and a platform for Madrid to build attacks, but Benito argued that their partnership cannot function properly if the players ahead of them do not press and track back. A midfield double pivot needs protection from the front line, as well as clear coordination across the team.
That balance matters when a side wants to include creative options such as Arda Guler or Bernardo Silva in its possession game. Players with the ability to receive, turn and create can help a team control the ball, but adding attacking quality must not leave the midfield exposed. If the forwards do not contribute defensively, Valverde and Tchouameni may be forced to cover too much ground, weakening both the press and the team’s shape.
Benito’s warning was particularly sharp in relation to European football. A lack of defensive effort may still be survivable in many domestic matches, where Madrid’s individual quality can help them recover. In the Champions League, however, small lapses can have far more serious consequences. A single missed press can give a technically gifted opponent the time and space to create a decisive chance.
Endrick Makes His Case for More Minutes
While Madrid’s defensive performance drew criticism, Endrick left a positive impression during his brief appearance. The Brazilian striker played only a limited number of minutes, but Benito felt his physical presence and determination made a strong case for a larger role in upcoming matches.
“He deserved to play,” Benito said, praising the forward’s ability to impose himself despite having little time to influence the contest. He described Endrick’s contribution as outstanding, pointing to the strength and intensity he brought to the attack.
That assessment raises a broader question for Mourinho: how should a coach respond when a substitute delivers a persuasive performance? Giving Endrick more opportunities would not only reward his impact but could also increase competition within the squad. Regular minutes would allow the young striker to build rhythm, while giving Madrid another option when its attack needs greater directness and physicality.
Benito went further, saying Mourinho had a “moral duty” to put Endrick in the line-up. That does not necessarily mean the forward must start every match, but it does underline the importance of turning a promising cameo into a meaningful opportunity. For a young player, consistent involvement can be crucial to development—and for a coach, rewarding strong performances can help establish clear standards across the squad.
Mourinho’s Next Challenge: Turn the Comeback Into Progress
The Roma match leaves Mourinho with two contrasting messages. Madrid showed character and attacking firepower by recovering to win 4-3, while Endrick offered a glimpse of the impact he could make with more responsibility. At the same time, the team’s difficulty pressing and controlling possession remains a concern that a dramatic result cannot erase.
The next test is whether Madrid can improve its collective work without the ball while preserving the creativity that makes it dangerous going forward. That means clearer pressing triggers, greater support for the central midfielders and a consistent defensive contribution from the attacking players. It also means finding room for in-form options without sacrificing balance.
For fans assessing the team’s prospects, the prediction is straightforward but not inevitable: if Madrid continues to allow strong opponents to play through its press, the same vulnerabilities are likely to return. If Mourinho can correct those habits and give players such as Endrick a fair opportunity, the comeback against Roma could become a turning point rather than a warning sign.
