AS Roma v Real Madrid: Champions League preview, injuries, lineups (Oct 14, 2026)

AS Roma will host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in a UEFA Champions League 2026-27 group-stage match on October 14 (BST), with Roma preparing for their second league-phase fixture of the campaign.

Gian Piero Gasperini-led side enter the game on an unbeaten run since the start of the new season and have produced promising performances in Serie A. Roma’s opening European match finished 1-1 against Fenerbahce, with AS Roma scoring in the first half and conceding in the second. They will be the hosts for this fixture, which the preview describes as a big advantage for Roma.

Real Madrid arrive after a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in their previous UEFA Champions League outing and a 1-0 win against Villarreal in LaLiga. The preview states that, despite the LaLiga win, their performance was "not quite as impressive as it should have been," adding that they "struggled to control the ball and were not good enough in the attacking front." The article also describes Real Madrid as having a star-studded lineup while still seeking balance in the squad.

The preview singles out Manu Kone for AS Roma, describing the 25-year-old Frenchman as set for a crucial role from midfield in controlling play and breaking up Madrid’s attacks. For Real Madrid, the piece highlights "the 28-year-old midfielder from Uruguay" as having been "an absolute engine in the midfield" in the 1-0 victory over Villarreal, noting he "created the joint-most chances (3) and also secured a crucial assist for Yan Diomande’s goal," and identifies Federico Valverde as one of Los Blancos’ main men.

Injuries and absences named in the preview include AS Roma missing Konstantinos Koulierakis and Bryan Cristante. Real Madrid will be without Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio, while Eder Militao "is back in training, but is still not fully fit." The article supplies projected lineups: AS Roma — Svilar (GK); Mancini, N’Dicka, Hermoso; Rensch, de Roon, Kone, Wesley; Dybala, Soule; Malen. Real Madrid — Courtois (GK); Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

The preview offers a prediction of AS Roma 1-2 Real Madrid and reiterates that the match will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on October 14 (BST). Broadcast and streaming details given are India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV (with matches available on the SonyLIV app and website) and UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, BBC.