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Turkish international Arda Guler played a decisive role in Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday, providing two late assists as the Spanish side overturned a 3-1 deficit in the UEFA Champions League.
The second-round encounter at Rome's Stadio Olimpico saw Real Madrid score three goals in the closing minutes, with Guler coming off the bench to help his team secure its second consecutive victory in the competition.
Roma opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Marten de Roon, but Kylian Mbappe brought Real Madrid level just five minutes later, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Italian side regained control after the break as Donyell Malen struck twice, in the 51st and 57th minutes, to put Roma 3-1 ahead and leave Real Madrid facing a two-goal deficit.
With his team trailing, Guler entered the match as a substitute in the 59th minute, setting the stage for a late turnaround.
Real Madrid began its comeback in the 83rd minute when Carlos Espi pulled a goal back to reduce Roma's advantage to 3-2.
Just two minutes later, Guler delivered a corner kick that Endrick converted to bring the visitors level at 3-3.
The Turkish midfielder then provided another assist from a corner in the 90th minute, setting up Antonio Rudiger for the winning goal and completing Real Madrid's remarkable turnaround.
The result took Real Madrid to six points from its opening two Champions League matches, while Roma remained on one point.
Real Madrid will next host Germany's RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, while Roma will face Slovan Bratislava at home.
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