HighLights
  1. The Real Madrid coach said his team puts pressure on itself because it wants to win.
  2. Mourinho praised Roma’s quality and passionate home support.
  3. Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has made it clear that his team's biggest motivation ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2026-27 clash against AS Roma is the desire to win, insisting that Los Blancos must deliver a strong performance to secure all three points at the Stadio Olimpico.

Real Madrid will take on Roma on Wednesday in their opening away game of the Champions League season. Mourinho’s club has started their European campaign with a win against Inter Milan and hopes to continue their winning streak against another Italian team.

Mourinho spoke before the match in Rome and discussed how tough playing against Real Madrid will be, and how strong the support from the fans is going to be. Additionally, he mentioned that although the tournament is still in its infancy, the team attempts to keep the quality of play high.

ALSO READ: UCL 2026-27: Barcelona, Arsenal Claim Big Wins; Bayern Held In Thriller, Man United Lose

"We have to play very well. In the first two games, we faced the two strongest teams in Italy. In the first one, we managed to get three points even with the challenge of having three players suspended from the previous season," Mourinho said.

"Now, we face Roma: a strong team motivated by playing a Champions match again at the Stadio Olimpico. They have fans who actively participate and don't just come to watch the game. To get the three points, we have to play very well because we have an important opponent ahead of us," he added.

'We Put Pressure On Ourselves Because We Want To Win'

Mourinho explained that the Champions League league phase does not yet carry the same pressure as the knockout rounds, with eight matches providing teams an opportunity to accumulate the points required to qualify.

However, the Portuguese manager insisted that Real Madrid's ambition means they cannot afford to approach any fixture casually.

"It's not yet the moment of pressure and the knockout stage of the Champions. We have eight games to earn the points needed to qualify, but we put pressure on ourselves because we want to win," he added.

Mourinho Backs Roma And Inter As Italy's Strongest Teams

Mourinho praised the quality of Italian football and singled out Roma and Inter Milan as the two strongest teams in the country at present.

"Without a doubt, Inter and Roma are currently the two strongest teams in the Italian league. Since I faced both, I've started watching the Italian league very often. I've always watched as many games as I could, and without any doubt, they are the two strongest teams," he said.

Roma will provide a difficult test for Real Madrid, particularly with the backing of their home crowd. The Spanish giants will need to stay calm and take their chances if they are to return from Italy with another three points.

Mourinho Plays Down Emotional Return To Stadio Olimpico

The fixture also carries personal significance for Mourinho, given his previous association with Roma. However, the manager insisted that he is focused entirely on his current responsibilities at Real Madrid.

"Regarding my return, I'm fine, balanced, and solid. In that sense, it will be just another match," he said.

ALSO READ: UCL 2026-27: ManU Face Atletico, Barca vs Galatasaray And Arsenal vs LOSC | When And Where To Watch

Mourinho admitted that the build-up to the game, including arriving at the stadium and moving through the corridors, could feel unusual. Once the match begins, however, he expects to concentrate solely on the contest.

"I think Real Madrid and Roma will qualify. Maybe I'll come back for the quarterfinals, semifinals, or one of those bigger games," he added.

Real Madrid will aim to make their quality count against a Roma side eager to make a statement in front of its supporters.


Also In News