Gasperini Calls Real Madrid “One of the Strongest Sides in Europe” and Pays Tribute to Mourinho Ahead of Roma Clash

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Real Madrid as one of Europe's best teams ahead of their Champions League Matchday 2 game at the Stadio Olimpico, and he also paid tribute to former Roma boss Jose Mourinho.

"When I look at Real Madrid, I see a team of incredible champions, both on the pitch and on the bench," he said. "We are up against one of the strongest sides in Europe, who have also had an extraordinary transfer window."

He spoke warmly about Mourinho's time in Rome. "Jose left people with amazing memories and a deep affection for him as a coach," Gasperini said. But he stressed that his side now has its own identity. "However, now ours is a different sort of team, very different from the one that played under Mourinho, even though it has not been that many years."

He is pleased with his players. "It is a team that is giving me great satisfaction, because even today we really needed great morale, great fitness and a huge amount of heart to play like this in Como."

Roma come into the game after a hard-earned 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce in their opening league-phase game. They must do without first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who is out for a month with a stress fracture. They will look to Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante to break down Madrid's defence.

The numbers are mixed. Roma have lost their last four meetings with Madrid without scoring. But they have a strong home record in the Champions League, winning eight of their last nine games at the Olimpico. Gasperini will hope the home crowd can help them to a memorable result.

The match kicks off on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico.