Champions League: Roma vs Real Madrid – Probable Line-ups, Where to Watch on TV

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | All eyes will be on the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night as Roma host Real Madrid in a mouthwatering Champions League league-phase encounter. The match marks Roma’s first home game in Europe’s elite competition since 2019, and it also sees José Mourinho return to the Olimpico for the first time since his dismissal in January 2024. For fans wondering about the Champions League Roma vs Real Madrid probable line-ups where to watch on TV, we have you covered with all the key details.

Roma come into the game with several injury concerns. Midfielder Bryan Cristante and goalkeeper Mile Svilar are both sidelined, meaning Marten de Roon and Pierluigi Gollini are expected to step in, just as they did in the Serie A clash against Como last weekend. Despite these absences, the Giallorossi are boosted by the return of attacking duo Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala, who are set to start upfront. Matias Soulé is likely to complete the attacking trident.

In defence, coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces a selection dilemma. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Devyne Rensch will start at right midfield, with Wesley on the opposite flank. Leonardo Balerdi is the favourite to partner Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini in a three-man defence, edging out Mario Hermoso. However, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport suggest that Nahuel Molina will get the nod as right midfielder, while Hermoso will start at centre-back. These variations highlight the tactical uncertainty surrounding the Champions League Roma vs Real Madrid probable line-ups where to watch on TV.

Real Madrid, under the guidance of Mourinho, are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, protected by a back four of Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella. The double pivot of Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni will provide stability in midfield, while Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior will support the lone striker Kylian Mbappé. This star-studded lineup promises a thrilling contest.

For supporters eager to follow the action, the Champions League Roma vs Real Madrid probable line-ups where to watch on TV details are as follows: In the UK and Ireland, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 4 and TNT Sports 10, as well as streaming on HBO Max. In the USA, Paramount+ holds the rights. Football Italia will also provide live updates via a live blog, with coverage starting right after Feyenoord-Como.

Roma’s probable XI (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Konè, de Roon, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.

Real Madrid’s probable XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.

The match kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It is a highly anticipated fixture not only because of Roma’s return to Champions League football at home after seven years but also due to Mourinho’s emotional return to the club he led to European glory in 2022. The Portuguese manager, now in charge of Real Madrid, will receive a mixed reception from the Roma faithful, who still hold him in high regard despite his controversial departure.

Roma fans will be hoping their team can upset the odds against the Spanish giants. Gasperini’s side has shown resilience in Serie A, and the inclusion of Dybala and Malen provides a potent attacking threat. However, Real Madrid’s formidable lineup, featuring the likes of Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé, makes them clear favourites. The tactical battle between Gasperini and Mourinho adds another layer of intrigue to this Champions League Roma vs Real Madrid probable line-ups where to watch on TV spectacle.

As the teams prepare for battle, the atmosphere at the Olimpico is expected to be electric. Roma’s return to Europe’s grandest stage is a moment of pride for the club and its supporters, while Mourinho’s return adds a narrative twist that will captivate neutral fans. With so much at stake, this Champions League encounter promises to be a memorable one.

In conclusion, the Champions League clash between Roma and Real Madrid is set to be a thrilling affair, with both teams boasting world-class talent. The probable line-ups suggest an attacking intent from both sides, and the television coverage ensures fans around the world can witness the action. Whether you’re rooting for the Giallorossi or Los Blancos, this is a match not to be missed.