AS editor-in-chief Tomás Roncero and reporter Antonio Romero analyzed Real Madrid's Champions League comeback victory against Roma on Cadena SER. They also criticized Vinicius's four-match ban and questioned the timing of the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee announcement, which came just two hours before the match.
Real Madrid came from behind to beat Roma 4-3 at the Olimpico. Although Mourinho made tactical adjustments through substitutions, his initial setup still faced criticism. A Champions League victory rarely leaves so many tactical questions unanswered. Both journalists agreed that while Real Madrid secured three points, the team still has significant issues to address.
Discussing Real Madrid's attacking organization, Romero said: "Relying on Courtois' long balls to solve problems reflects the coach's conservatism and lack of tactical solutions. Real Madrid won not because of the head coach. When he stopped making Real Madrid play like a small team in Europe and made substitutions, the team's performance improved significantly, and they dominated Roma."
In a live conversation with host Pacojó, Romero outlined the match's key takeaways. He said: "This match proved Güler cannot start on the bench; Mourinho came to Real Madrid to solve problems, but the Tchouaméni-Valverde midfield pairing is outdated and ineffective; Endrick proved his worth despite only 4 minutes of playing time this season, and besides his goal, he was everywhere on the pitch; Diomandé played both flanks trying to contain Wesley, who had already torn the defense open."
On Real Madrid captain Valverde, Romero said: "Valverde took over Kroos's number 8 jersey thinking he could control Real Madrid's midfield. He needs to understand his best position is on the right wing."
Roncero also discussed Valverde's role in this Real Madrid team. He said: "I don't question his individual quality, but Valverde is Europe's best wing-back, and Tchouaméni will never be another Casemiro."
On Real Madrid's second-half transformation against Roma, Roncero said: "After Güler and Bernardo Silva came on, the entire team's mentality changed completely."
Regarding Güler's playing time, Roncero said: "I increasingly cannot understand why Güler doesn't start in every Real Madrid match."
Vinicius's situation was another key topic. The Brazilian winger also underperformed in Rome and faced additional scrutiny due to his LaLiga suspension.
On Vinicius's four-match ban, Romero said: "His mistake was serious, but I believe a four-match suspension for such an action is excessive."
Romero also questioned the disciplinary committee's decision to announce the ban just two hours before Real Madrid's Champions League match. He said: "Just because something happens frequently doesn't make it right. I think it's entirely avoidable for a player to learn of a serious penalty only two hours before a crucial match."
Roncero's response was even more forceful. He said: "The Spanish Football Federation and all relevant sports institutions in this country are openly waging war on Real Madrid, without hesitation or concealment. They will do whatever it takes to suppress Real Madrid, damage Real Madrid, and emotionally harm Real Madrid. Real Madrid is under attack from all sides, and I hope the club responds even more forcefully. Look at the fouls I saw in the derby, and then look at someone who simply gets tangled up with an opponent's arm during a run and gets a four-match ban – it's unbelievable."
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