Roma host Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, October 14 (3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM PT).
Roma have no fitness concerns flagged for this one, with Paulo Dybala pulling the strings behind Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante set to anchor the midfield after playing every minute of the draw at Fenerbahce. Real Madrid arrive with a clean bill of health too, and Kylian Mbappé — who scored and worked four shots on target against Inter Milan — leads the attacking options alongside Federico Valverde and Brahim Díaz just off him.
Roma vs Real Madrid: Best Bets & Predictions
Can Roma's firepower trouble a sharp Real Madrid side in Rome?
Our approach: we weigh each side's early-season points total, their most recent result, and the underlying attacking numbers from that match to land on one team-news-led prediction for this fixture.
Odds correct at time of writing and shown in American format for illustration; your local odds may vary. 19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC). Please play responsibly. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON).
Season Form & Standings
Roma have taken 1 point from their opening match, a 1-1 draw away at Fenerbahce. Real Madrid have taken 3 points from their opening match, a 2-1 win at home to Inter Milan.
Champions League
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| Roma | 17 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Roma vs Real Madrid Predicted Lineups
Predicted XI — updated for the latest team news.
Roma
3-4-2-1Real Madrid
4-2-3-1Potential Match-Winners
- Bryan Cristante (Roma): The midfielder scored in Roma’s last match and completed ninety minutes, central to everything going forward.
- Donyell Malen (Roma): The striker fired four shots and set up a goal with his one assist across eighty-seven minutes, Roma’s clearest outlet in behind.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): The striker scored and tested the keeper four times on target in eighty-nine minutes, the most direct goal threat on the pitch.
Recent Form
Roma: D
- 2026-09-10: Fenerbahce 1-1 Roma (D, away)
Roma’s only match so far ended 1-1 away at Fenerbahce, with Bryan Cristante among the goals.
Real Madrid: W
- 2026-09-08: Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan (W, home)
Real Madrid opened with a 2-1 home win over Inter Milan, Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde both scoring.
Roma vs Real Madrid Prediction
This looks tight without being goalless: Roma, sitting on 1 point after their opener, should find a way through via Bryan Cristante or Donyell Malen, but Real Madrid’s pedigree — 3 points already banked and Kylian Mbappé in the kind of form that produced 4 shots on target against Inter Milan — should be enough to edge it 1-2.